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Die Folgen: Bayern’s thoroughly disappointing 1-1 draw against Der Club (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich’s draw against FC Nurnberg should not make anyone feel good, but it’s also is not the end of the world. Simply put, it was a lost opportunity to throw dirt on the grave of Borussia Dortmund. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- People may point to Kingsley Coman’s miss as a primary reason that Bayern failed to win, but it went much deeper than one error by one player.
- Bayern lacked the sharpness and precision that it has shown in recent months. Bayern also played without much of a sense of urgency, which was one of the early criticisms of the roster under Niko Kovac in the Hinrunde. We haven’t seen the Bayern team that lacks hunger in quite a while, but it was there yesterday.
- Injuries, as always, worked against Bayern. Serge Gnabry went to Niko Kovac in the morning and could not go because of muscular problems, while James Rodriguez came on as a substitute for a brief appearance before he had to leave the game with a calf issue. James’ balky calf has been an issue at different points since last summer and could probably be considered a bit chronic at this point. Hopefully both players are able to make a quick return to full fitness.
- Gnabry, of course, came on to score Bayern’s lone goal, but getting him healthy for upcoming matches with RB Leizpig (Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal) and Eintracht Frankfurt will be key. This is not to look past Hannover 96, who is feeling pretty good after dumping Mainz in a mild upset, but if Bayern can’t find enough motivation to dispatch Hannover next weekend, it has bigger issues than Gnabry.
- There will be some blamed placed on Kovac as well, but this was a failure by the players. Kovac has had his difficult moments this season, but the game came down to a lack of execution and performance on the pitch.
- The late penalty from Alphonso Davies was careless. The young Canadian has vast potential, but appears to need a lot more seasoning in his game. Hopefully he can gain some of that in training during the rest of this season and early next season as it would appear that Bayern is looking at him to be more of a contributor to the first-team next season. One mistake doesn’t determine a player’s career trajectory and he’ll learn from it.
- This game would qualify as one of those where Bayern should throw away the tape (delete the file from the DVR?) and move on.
- In the end, I think we can blame it on the mint.
If you missed our Match Awards or Observations, give them a look:
Bayern is reportedly out on Ziyech (kicker)
The Bavarians have been linked to Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech a lot of late, but it appears that their watch has ended on the 26-year-old talent.
FC Bayern Munich is driving the upheaval of the squad forward: The Munich-based team is looking for a player for the outer lanes - preferably a wing jockey who can do it right or left. The situation will have to be reassessed after Callum Hudson-Odoi (18, Chelsea FC) after his Achilles tendon rupture. The Moroccan Hakim Ziyech (26, contract until 2021), who is repeatedly associated with the German record champion and who is playing big with Ajax Amsterdam in this Champions League season (nine matches, two goals), is, according to kicker information, not a candidate for the FCB.
Tuchel is allegedly wearing out his welcome in Paris (GetFootballNewsFrance.com)
Thomas Tuchel’s tenure in Paris might be tenuous. The Paris Saint-Germain coach might be losing some of his players according to reports out of France.
L’Équipe report this morning that PSG manager Thomas Tuchel is being increasingly isolated by his own team’s dressing room.When Neymar accused the club’s younger players after the Coupe de France final defeat on Saturday of not listening, he was referring to the lackadaisical attitude displayed by players in recent training sessions, viewing certain players as treating the end of the season like a holiday.
Tuchel was very surprised to see the lack of desire shown by his players on the 17th of April in their defeat against Nantes – several players, despite the cascade of injuries, didn’t want to make the trip. The German is becoming increasingly aware of the control respect and relationships that are slipping away between him and his players.
This is pretty cool (@RaeComm)
Overhearing airport conversation. Group of English guys awestruck after their 1st Bundesliga match, at #Revierderby.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) April 28, 2019
Hearing “what an amazing experience & crazy game” & “never experienced an atmosphere like that anywhere” plus “what a stadium.” Once the Bundesliga grips you..
Looking to catch-up on the Bundesliga action from the weekend? I’ve got you covered (The Barrel)
For a capsule-style recap of the Bundesliga’s weekend fixtures, just click here.