Manuel Neuer chatted for a long time at the stadium exit with a top German football player, Thomas Müller took a jersey from the sport, which is so popular in the USA, as a souvenir to the hotel after the 6-2 win and the goal debut of the new Bayern pros. And the realization that FC Bayern can score a lot of goals even without Robert Lewandowski. “After Lewy’s departure we have to spread the goals over different shoulders. And we did that well,” said Müller after Sadio Mané’s and Matthijs de Ligt’s easy win against DC United.
Now it just has to be against stronger opponents than the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer. The English champions Manchester City could be a first touchstone on the German Sunday night in Green Bay – it is also the dress rehearsal for the start of the competitive game with the Supercup a week later at the cup winners RB Leipzig. “I think we’re dangerous enough to score a lot of goals in the future,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann after the success in the US capital, where he started with dual leadership Serge Gnabry and Mané. Both scored.
In muggy and warm Washington, the 34-year-old was satisfied with the first and penultimate test of a short preparation before a planned visit to the White House. “We won. Unlike last year, where we didn’t win many games in preparation,” he said with a smile: “I feel better than last year” 2-3 against Cologne, 2-2 against Amsterdam, 0 It was 2:2 against Mönchengladbach and 0:3 against Naples at the time.
De Ligt has to come down early against Washington
This time it starts better, especially since in addition to Mané, de Ligt also scored after a marathon journey from Turin via Munich to Washington. Although the new defense chief had to come down early, Nagelsmann dismissed it: “Tough day, no injury.” De Ligt himself wasn’t worried either. In addition to the two new top stars, Müller, Gnabry, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcel Sabitzer also scored Bayern goals. The latter in particular is currently convincing the coach.
“He’s one of the best players in preparation so far,” said Nagelsmann in praise of former Leipzig midfielder Sabitzer, who is fighting for his last Bayern chance. As with the scorers Mané and de Ligt, Nagelsmann was also satisfied with Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch, who leveled Müller’s 6-2 with a dream pass. “Both players did very well, especially in training,” said Nagelsmann, who caught a glimpse of Washington’s imposing buildings and beautiful parks on two morning jogs.
Sadio Mané also scored a goal, Bayern won 6-2.
(Photo: Rob Carr/AFP)
Müller, who presented a jersey from football partner club Kansas City Chiefs, was also satisfied with the first appearance in the era after Tormaschine Lewandowski. Like Neuer, he chatted at the exit gate with Munich-born David Bada, who plays for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. Müller liked the new variability in attack. “Basically, we are very variable and flexible on the offensive. Nobody has a very specific profile,” said the 32-year-old.
“There’s a lot possible.” A game that could greatly benefit the football free spirit and former World Cup top scorer. Nagelsmann is excited and confident. “We tried to do a few things differently from last season, so we knew when we play through Robert it’s usually a goal,” he said. “Now we don’t have the classic nine.” Unlike in previous years, Munich acted with two tips.
“It’s a new role at Bayern, but it was fun. I think we got along very well,” said 27-year-old Gnabry. “All the newcomers are top lads with top quality and contribute well to the team.” Mané took the ball with his debut goal to make it 1-0 and, with a bit of luck, scored from the penalty spot. “I think there are many who would like to take penalties,” said Gnabry about the role that was previously reserved for the safe Lewandowski. “Mané is one of the candidates,” said Nagelsmann.
