FC Bayern Munich goes into the first home game of the year against 1. FC Köln unimpressed by the opponent’s seven-goal gala.
“The seven goals do more to Cologne than to us. The people of Cologne will not have less self-confidence now,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann the day before the game this Tuesday (8.30 p.m. / Sat.1 and Sky) in the Allianz Arena. Cologne had started with a furious 7:1 against Werder Bremen after the winter break.
“They play very courageously, often with an open visor. We have to bring emotion onto the pitch and defend ourselves,” said Nagelsmann, whose team secured the top spot in the Bundesliga with a 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on Friday. Before the game against Cologne, central defender Dayot Upamecano had to stop training with Bayern Munich due to a problem with his toe. However, Nagelsmann assumed that the Frenchman could play against the Rhinelanders.
Nagelsmann expects a better attacking performance against Cologne, who are eleventh in the table, than against Leipzig. The structure of the game was not optimal against the cup winners, the team lacked the rhythm, said the 35-year-old coach. He left it open whether Thomas Müller was in the starting XI this time. “It’s always about evaluating training and game performance, including momentum,” said Nagelsmann. He has not yet decided on the Müller question.
