The test match against RB Salzburg was not very meaningful in view of Bavaria’s condition. And yet there were a few points that will be discussed in Leipzig until the league restarts on Friday. These include Thomas Müller, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, defensive vulnerability and the keeper problem.
The offensive with Thomas Müller and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are in focus before the restart – as well as the defensive and the goalkeeper position with Sven Ulreich.
IMAGO/MIS
The 4: 4 in the only test match against RB Salzburg on Friday evening was not very meaningful, at least with regard to Bayern’s strength. The players looked tired after a dominant first quarter of an hour – heavy legs after an intensive training camp in Doha. That’s why the team “deserves the two days off,” said Thomas Müller. The deputy captain in the absence of Manuel Neuer started up front this time. He wasn’t really integrated into the game on Friday evening. And yet the 33-year-old is slated for the post alongside Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Tel advertised for himself – but coach Julian Nagelsmann sees him more on the outside
The Cameroonian was absent (gastrointestinal), but the Munich officials hope he should be fit by Friday. If that’s the case, Choupo-Moting should also start, as coach Julian Nagelsmann said: “The way he’s played in the last few weeks, he’s indispensable.” Because he’s a real nine. In addition, 17-year-old Mathys Tel advertised himself vigorously. Together with Kingsley Coman, he was mainly responsible for the fact that Munich converted the interim 1: 3 to a 4: 3. But the head coach sees the youngster from France more on the wing, although they trust him to develop into a center forward.
Not much can happen in defense
And then there is the badly decimated defensive. Lucas Hernandez (torn cruciate ligament) will be out until the end of the season, Noussair Mazraoui (pericarditis) for several weeks, and Matthijs de Ligt was also absent against Salzburg (ill). Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard, Daley Blind, Alphonso Davies and Josip Stanisic remain. Five players for four positions. Not much can happen anymore. In addition, better organization in the midfield center is needed before the start in Leipzig.
The record champions allowed the Austrians to concede four goals and other top-class counterattacks. “We got two goals, like in the first half of the season,” complained Nagelsmann. Overdressed. “The evening showed that we have a lot to do,” says CEO Oliver Kahn. Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich was largely powerless when he conceded.
Bayern is also looking for Keeper X
Whether the new replacement will also be between the Bavarian posts on Friday in Leipzig (8.30 p.m., LIVE! at kicker) is still open. The goalkeeper search continues. Yann Sommer and Alexander Nübel will continue to be traded, although an early return of the keeper loaned to Monaco is less likely.
Regardless of the two goalkeepers mentioned, the Bayern bosses are also looking for Keeper X – in the event that neither Nübel nor Sommer are available this winter. The crux: It’s not just about the transfer fee of around eight million euros demanded by Mönchengladbach, but above all that the club, which FCB may use, must also find a successor. This problem runs from club to club. That’s why Bayern have to wait.
But it is clear that the Munich team still want to be active in this position. Coach Nagelsmann once again expressed this unequivocally: “We have to get a goalkeeper anyway. There’s no question about that.” Which theoretically could also be a number 2 behind Ulreich – but of course a new number 1 is desired for the coming half-year.
