Why Tuchel blanked Sarri ahead of Bayern Munich-Lazio

Bayern Munich's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) and Lazio's Italian headcoach Maurizio Sarri greet each other prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, second-leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Lazio in Munich, southern Germany on March 5, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

There was a curious moment ahead of the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Lazio when Thomas Tuchel blanked Maurizio Sarri.

The tactician had every reason to be preoccupied going into the Round of 16 tie, having lost the first leg 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico and knowing failure to turn this around will probably see him fired.

Tuchel was rather too focused on the big picture and managed to completely miss his colleague and fellow former Chelsea manager come up to shake his hand.

Sarri eventually had to physically grab Tuchel before the German was able to acknowledge his presence and apologetically go in for a hug.

When there is a language barrier, Sarri covers it with a hand gesture that mocked Tuchel for not quite being all there at that moment.

Tuchel has already been told he will not remain on the Bayern Munich bench beyond the end of the season, but whether he makes it that far is another matter.