Football: No “howling” in decimated Bavaria

In view of the pandemic rules of the Bundesliga, Nagelsmann is preparing for an event – with creative solutions if necessary. “From a coach’s point of view, it’s still very appealing. Players play in positions in which they are not trained, ”said Nagelsmann.

72 days after a remarkable 5-0 defeat in the Cup in Gladbach, his players would also have “slight thoughts of revenge”. Nine Bayern players recently gave positive CoV tests, including goalie Manuel Neuer after a vacation trip to the Maldives. Due to further failures – Leon Goretzka is missing with knee problems – even the Munich luxury squad is reaching its limits.

No explanation for high CoV numbers

Nagelsmann has no explanation for the consistently high CoV numbers at Bayern. “I can’t say why we now have more infected people than other clubs. I know that we ram the chopsticks relatively far, maybe that’s a point, ”said the coach with a wink. “It’s a little unfortunate. The players had the same rules of conduct as in the last two years, where it worked very well for long stretches. “

Nagelsmann defended the vacation trips of the infected. “I’m not an educator, I’m a football coach, and we have players who are of a mature age and of course have a certain degree of personal responsibility,” said the 34-year-old. “There is no option, and I would never express it if it is not regulated by law that you are not allowed to go on vacation.” Nagelsmann also referred to the aspect of “mental relaxation” in professional sport.

First team with many world class players

One way or another, Nagelsmann will be able to send a victorious team onto the pitch. “We still have a first team that is equipped with many world-class players,” said the Bayern coach. Sabitzer, who has not long returned from a calf injury, could form the central midfield with Kimmich, who has suffered from the consequences of a CoV infection in recent weeks.

Bayern had nevertheless advertised the league for a game to be postponed. Even Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder took part in the discussion. “I think it would be better if it would be postponed,” said the CSU boss to the TV broadcaster “Bild”. In his estimation as a football fan, it would be “not fair to the competition” if the match took place as planned.

Also Gladbach with failures

However, the guests also have staff concerns. Gladbach is missing a quartet after CoV infections, and DFB team player Jonas Hofmann is injured. The Austrians Stefan Lainer and Hannes Wolf are available to their trainer Adi Hütter. “We have to be brave,” said the man from Vorarlberg. Hütter and his team want to “start a race to catch up” from 14th place in the table.

Bayern are ahead of the table with nine points ahead of their first rival Borussia Dortmund in the spring. It seems to be bearable that only contract amateurs sit on the bench at the beginning – including two 16-year-olds with Paul Wanner and Arijon Ibrahimovic. “Bayern Munich still have a powerful team,” emphasized Hütter. This is especially true for the offensive. At the back, however, the danger lurks.

Table: