Xavi Simons makes an impressive entrance into the Bundesliga. This doesn't come as a surprise to Thomas Tuchel, who had the Dutch international under his wing at Paris Saint-Germain. The German coach faces his former protege on Saturday with Bayern Munich.
Tuchel had Simons train with the first team of PSG four years ago when he was just sixteen. The attacking midfielder would later make his debut under Mauricio Pochettino. 'I had him as a very young youth player under my wing, and it was clear that he had a lot of potential,' Tuchel recalled at the press conference ahead of the away match against RB Leipzig.
'Thanks to the Eredivisie, he made it to the Dutch national team. He is undergoing strong development. He has a clear position, which helps him,' Tuchel continued, warning his players about Simons' qualities. 'He is technically gifted, composed on the ball, and cool in front of the goal. We need to find a way to stop him.'
It appears that this might have to happen without Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman started in the lineup last week against VfL Bochum, scored, but also got injured. 'De Ligt is probably not going to play,' said Tuchel. 'I can't say it with certainty yet, but it looks like he won't be fit in time.'
Bayern needs to maintain their top position in the Bundesliga at the Red Bull Arena. Der Rekordmeister has collected thirteen points in five matches, while Leipzig has one point less.
