Thomas Tuchel summed up how Erik ten Hag must be feeling just now.
In the aftermath of Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, a result that eliminated Ten Hag’s side from all European competition, the former Chelsea boss eloquently outlined the negatives of being a football manager when results have not gone your way.
“He does not need my advice or clapping on the shoulders,” said Tuchel. “He is experienced enough to go through it.
“I had not a nice moment last Saturday. Sometimes you feel pretty lonely as a coach.”
The difference between Bayern’s 5-1 loss at Frankfurt last weekend and where United are now is simple.
For Bayern, the result felt like a freak. A bad day in an overall positive season, certainly as far as the Bundesliga and Champions League are concerned. For United, it is just another bad day on top of previous bad days.