After a surprising transfer, Tuchel is prepared for a challenging start at Bayern.

Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Saturday he faces a challenging start to his new job at Bayern Munich, starting with Borussia Dortmund on April 1. Ten days later, Bayern plays Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. There will be little time to rest or practice new tactics, with many Bayern players away with their national teams and seven games in the first 22 days of April. Tuchel said the move came as a surprise and that he had no contact with Bayern. He had been following Bayern's season with interest.

He hasn't worked in Germany since 2017. Tuchel returns to Bayern having won two French titles at Paris Saint-Germain and the Champions League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. Bayern can still win three titles this season, but consistency is a concern. Sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said the club backed Nagelsmann as concerns grew over the team's performance, but decided on a change at a meeting Monday after a loss to Bayer Leverkusen cost Bayern the Bundesliga lead. Tuchel will need to get the best out of players like Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, and Sadio Mané, who has rarely been at his best in an injury-disrupted season.