Bayern Munich’s boss Thomas Tuchel admitted that the Bundesliga title race is over after the Bavarians were handed a 2-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in yet another crucial league match at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
With a thumping two-goal loss in Der Klassiker, the Bavarians went 13 points behind Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, which are now just three wins away from winning the league title for the first time in history.
Tuchel was asked by the reporters if the title race was over to which the German gave a direct reply: "Obviously, yes,” he told Sky Sport Germany.
"After today's game, there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen.
"We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. It was too little from us when it came to the basics.
Tuchel is set to leave the club at the end of the season with his next destination remaining unknown. Barcelona is an option for the Champions League-winning coach as the Blaugrana will find themselves in need of a manager once Xavi Hernandez leaves.
On the other hand, Leverkusen were near to ending their whopping 38-match unbeaten streak but showing the spirit of never giving up, Robert Andrich netted an 88th-minute equaliser which was followed by Patrik Schick’s 91st-minute winner.
Talking after the match, Alonso opened up on his team’s ability to overcome deficits as installing a winning mentality in the team has been the key.
"Every game is a huge challenge for us," Alonso said. "We were lucky but we showed a very good mentality to keep going, to keep believing. We had a chance to win just like against Qarabag [in the Europa League] and we did it.
"To have this faith, to have a winning mentality, it is something that is created and we have created it this season."