Spain winger Bryan Zaragoza has openly responded to criticism from Thomas Tuchel, his former manager at Bayern Munich and now England’s head coach.
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Zaragoza, who joined Bayern Munich in January for €15 million from Granada, faced challenges during his brief stint with the German club.
Despite his promise, he struggled for playing time, managing only one Bundesliga start and six substitute appearances.
Tuchel, discussing Zaragoza’s difficulties, cited language barriers as a significant hurdle. “It’s difficult for him in English and in German. That’s a basic component. We knew he would need time to adapt,” Tuchel remarked.
He also emphasized the need for patience, acknowledging the winger’s quality but pointing out the challenges of integrating into the team.
Following his Bayern exit, Zaragoza joined Osasuna on loan, where he has impressed with one goal and five assists in La Liga. For Spain, he showcased his potential by scoring the decisive goal in their 3-2 Nations League win over Switzerland.
When asked about Tuchel’s comments after the match, Zaragoza retorted, “Football is played with your feet, not with language… and I don’t have to say anything else.” His statement underscores his belief in letting his on-field performances do the talking, dismissing the notion that language barriers should hinder a player’s growth.
Tuchel, who left Bayern at the end of the season, is set to begin his tenure as England’s manager in 2025, with his debut game scheduled for the World Cup qualifiers in March. Meanwhile, Zaragoza’s resurgence at Osasuna and for Spain reflects his determination to thrive despite past setbacks.
