Thomas Tuchel Bites Back at Critics with Smug Statement After Knocking Out Arsenal

• Bayern Munich knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League on Wednesday
• Joshua Kimmich’s bullet header ensured a 3-2 aggregate win for the Bavarians
• Thomas Tuchel still has a chance of winning silverware despite losing the league

Outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel was elated after his side kept hopes of silverware alive by knocking Arsenal out of the Champions League.

In a finely-poised tie, the German giants emerged 1-0 winners over the Gunners at the Allianz Arena to secure a 3-2 aggregate win.

Despite the Gunners creating solid chances and dominating in promising areas on the pitch, it was Bayern who drew first blood through Joshua Kimmich’s header in the 63rd minute which was the only goal of the tie, per BBC.

It was a devastating blow for Mikel Arteta and his lads, who went into the game in high spirits after a solid performance at the Emirates.

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For Tuchel, a step into the semi-final resurrected hopes of salvaging what has been a torrid season domestically for the German giants.

After 11 years of dominance, Bayern lost their Bundesliga title over the weekend to Bayer Leverkusen, who won it for the first time in the club’s history.

What Tuchel said

Speaking after the game, Tuchel was in the mood to respond to his critics when asked whether the win over Arsenal acted as a form of gratification for him.

"But where did the criticism come from? From you, the media, and now you ask me if I feel any gratification?" he asked, as quoted on ESPN.

He added: "It is what it is. I have given it all from the first day and will give it all until the last day,"

"The semifinal is a huge step. The last four, that was fun. Great joy and great relief,"

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The tactician became the first German to guide three teams from three different countries to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. He guided PSG to the final in 2020 and won it with Chelsea a year later.

How Arsenal stars reacted to Bayern defeat

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Arsenal fans took the defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Gunners’ elimination from the Champions League means that they now have only the Premier League to challenge for despite a fine run of form and results across competitions.

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted morale was low in the Gunners dressing room after the game.