Jonathan Tah has described FC Bayern München's trip to SC Freiburg as far from straightforward, with Vincent Kompany in hospital after collapsing on Friday and Joshua Kimmich unavailable following a family bereavement. It is a demanding Bundesliga-Topspiel for Bayern, and the circumstances around it make the challenge even greater.
Before the match, Tah spoke to DAZN and made it clear that the situation inside the squad is not easy. He said there are matters that are "deutlich wichtiger als der Fußball" and stressed that Bayern want to play for those who cannot be there.
Tah on the mood around Bayern
Tah's comments capture the tone around FC Bayern. This is not just about preparing for a difficult away match, but about doing so without two important figures around the team.
"Ja, absolut keine einfache Situation," Tah said, making the point plainly. He added that the squad wants to give something back for those missing: "dass wir auch viel für die spielen, die jetzt nicht dabei sein können."
Why Freiburg make the task harder
The football problem is obvious enough even without the off-field context. SC Freiburg have won all of their home matches this season, while Bayern have won only one away match, at Elversberg.
That gives Freiburg a real edge going into the game. Tah acknowledged that too, saying: "Ich glaube, Freiburg hat sich über die Jahre eine gewisse Identität aufgebaut."
That identity matters here. Freiburg at home are not simply a team making up the numbers; they are a side with a clear approach and a record that suggests Bayern will need to be sharp from the start.
Bayern must respond without their trainer
With Kompany in hospital and Kimmich absent, Bayern are forced to deal with a test that is already difficult on pure football terms. The question is how they respond when the emotional and tactical strain come together in one match.
Tah's message was not one of alarm, but it was certainly one of realism. Bayern know what is missing, they know how strong Freiburg have been at home, and they know they will need a complete performance to leave with a result.
There was also a lighter moment away from the main story, with Giovane Elber joking about a goalkeeper and saying: "Ich werde versuchen, ihm einen brasilianischen Pass zu besorgen, denn so einen Torhüter brauchen wir in der brasilianischen Nationalmannschaft." But the serious issue remains the same: Bayern arrive in Freiburg under pressure, and they will have to handle it without key people around them.
