‘It can’t continue like this!’ - Bayern confirm position on Thomas Tuchel’s future ahead of Arsenal showdown as Lothar Matthaus calls for coach to be sacked in brutal assessment following shocking loss to Heidenheim

Following their shock 3-2 defeat to Bundesliga newcomers Heidenheim, the Bayern hierarchy have responded to significant calls for Tuchel to be fired. Bayern's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal appears to be their only chance of a trophy this season - and Matthaus wants Tuchel sacked before the game. Bayern are 16 points off of leaders Bayer Leverkusen and are all but set to surrender their title, adding extra impetus to their clash in north London.

Speaking on Sky, Matthaus said: "There's always something that can be saved, but I think the atmosphere is broken between Thomas Tuchel and the team. If you lead 2-0 in Heidenheim, then you can't let the points be taken away - especially with a view to the next game in the Champions League. The chemistry is no longer right. I'm excited to see what happens at Bayern in the next 24 hours. I can even imagine that they could continue with an interim coach."

Despite this heavy scrutiny on Tuchel, the Bayern hierarchy have already said that Tuchel will remain in charge ahead of the midweek clash. One of Bayern's sporting directors, Christoph Freund, said: "Yes, 100 percent, [Tuchel will remain in charge]. Everyone has to take a look at themselves."

Max Eberl, another sporting director, shared the backing for Tuchel, adding: "We all know that we can and must do things differently."

Asked if he had considered sacking Tuchel before Tuesday, he replied: “I didn’t have that thought."

Bayern travel to London to face the Gunners on Tuesday knowing that defeat may leave them on the brink of a first trophyless season since 2011-12. Arsenal have been in fine form since the turn of the new year and will offer Tuchel little sympathy.