Julian Nagelsmann has every reason to laugh. Only five weeks after the provisional low point on the first Wiesn weekend, FC Bayern is back on track and almost all major worries are over in time for the second duel with Robert Lewandowski.
“We didn’t change that much, maybe a bit more analysis – and then we just won. You always have to win at Bayern, then everything is great,” said Nagelsmann after the settled 2-0 win at his former club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim the Bundesliga.
Munich football world back in order
Sunshine and a great atmosphere prevailed during the public training session on Sunday. The Munich football world is back in order. “We’ve been able to concentrate more now and drank a little more target water. We have 32 goals and are satisfied with how things have gone in the last few games. Hopefully we’ll continue like this,” said sports director Hasan Salihamidzic on the TV channel Bild . He practically ruled out winter transfers, and he currently sees no need for a Harry Kane in the summer of 2023 either. Tenor: Our offensive is good enough.
27 goals in the past seven Munich games underline this, the hunt for surprise leaders Union Berlin has drastically picked up speed. And the debate about an allegedly missing striker after Lewandowski’s departure has also evaporated for the time being, because Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting currently scores in every game. “Since Choupo’s been there, we harmonize very well up front. He scores, that’s important for self-confidence, that helps us a lot. That was his week, he’s doing great,” praised Serge Gnabry the 33-year-old, who after the Jamal Musiala’s opening goal ensured the final score.
Reunion with Lewandowski
On Wednesday (9 p.m. / DAZN) there could now be a direct duel between Choupo-Moting and Lewandowski and his FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. “There’s always something special against Barcelona. We have to take the game 100 per cent seriously. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Lewy again,” said the striker, who in his current form should also appear for Cameroon at the World Cup. Lewandowski is “a great guy” and “a world-class player”.
In contrast to the Spanish world club, Nagelsmann has no pressure or need. Bayern have already qualified for the Round of 16, and after three starts in just seven days, Choupo-Moting could be back on the bench again. “There’s no real secret. We’re all training very well. I’m happy that it’s working so well on the pitch,” said Choupo-Moting, who harmonized excellently with Gnabry, Musiala and Kingsley Coman in the ripped-off victory in Sinsheim.
Bayern bosses happy
The bosses also seemed very happy after the victory on a wonderfully warm autumn day. CEO Oliver Kahn clapped contentedly, the short-sleeved Salihamidzic even seemed amused for a short time in the stands. “I’m very happy with the performance. It wasn’t an easy game for the mind,” said Nagelsmann, who suddenly started laughing and joking again. After the 0-1 draw at FC Augsburg in September, he was fed up and seemed annoyed, but there is currently no sign of that anymore.
Dominant, calm, strong game: This is how the second in the league, who is on course after the most recent series, presents himself with a good feeling about going into the long winter break of the World Cup. “I’ve often said that the players are very inquisitive and want to improve,” said Nagelsmann.
Things could also look better in terms of personnel: Manuel Neuer (shoulder), Thomas Müller (gastrointestinal) and Leroy Sané (thigh) were still missing in Sinsheim. But this was not a big thing to notice. All three could return in a timely manner and are also expected to be important pillars for national coach Hansi Flick at the World Cup in Qatar (November 20th to December 18th). Musiala, who has already scored nine competitive goals this season, should also play a major role there. “He has every opportunity. Now we just let him play and do magic,” said Salihamidzic.
