By Milcah Tanimu

Despite a 10-point gap behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, asserted on Friday that his team “haven’t given up on the Bundesliga title.” With 10 games remaining, Bayern faces a significant challenge in their bid for a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title.

Tuchel acknowledged the realistic nature of the substantial gap but emphasized that Bayern’s focus is on winning their upcoming matches. The upcoming fixtures, with Bayern playing before Leverkusen in the coming weeks, provide an opportunity for Tuchel’s side to exert pressure with positive results.

Bayern is set to host second-last Mainz on Saturday, a day before Leverkusen’s clash with Wolfsburg. Tuchel clarified that while the gap is significant, it doesn’t translate to giving up. He stated, “We have to win, win, win, we no longer have it in our own hands. Leverkusen can no longer feel our breath, which is our own fault. But that doesn’t dismiss us from our obligation to give everything tomorrow.”

Despite Bayern’s challenging position in the league, Tuchel highlighted the team’s recent successes, including a 3-0 win over Lazio securing Champions League quarter-final qualification. He also noted the re-signing of teenage forward Mathys Tel until 2029, expressing hope that such positive results would boost the team’s confidence.

However, Mainz poses a formidable challenge, having won three of their last six matches against Bayern in the league. The Bundesliga title race remains intense, and Bayern Munich is determined to fight for success in the remaining fixtures.