The catch-up game should bring further consequences for Nenad Bjelica. The 52-year-old was shown a red card for assaulting Leroy Sané and showed understanding after the final whistle – at least partially.
Excitement of the game: Nenad Bjelica reaches into Leroy Sané’s face. IMAGO/Revierfoto
For a long time, Union Berlin made life very difficult for Munich when they lost 1-0 in the Allianz Arena. The Iron Men were largely stable in the center and hardly allowed any chances for their opponents. Shortly after the restart, however, Raphael Guerreiro scored to make it 1-0 (46th) – and the record champions largely dominated the game as it progressed.
Things got emotional in the 72nd minute: During a counterattack there was contact between Kevin Behrens and Konrad Laimer in the FCB penalty area, the Berliner fell – and the Köpenickers claimed a penalty. Referee Frank Willenborg allowed the game to continue – and shortly afterwards he was really challenged.
Would it make sense for Toni Kroos to return to the national team?
Will Toni Kroos play for Germany again at the home European Championship? kicker Daily classifies the pros and cons. In Ghana, the early exit from the Africa Cup has consequences; a transfer for Gio Reyna is looming. And the rail strike also affects the Bundesliga.
01/24/24 – 4:00 p.m. 1:35 minutes
Bjelica’s nerves suddenly frayed
When a throw-in was thrown in, Union coach Bjelica held the ball in his hand, Sané was in a hurry and wanted to forcefully take the equipment away from the coach. Suddenly Bjelica’s nerves were on edge. The Croatian allowed himself to do something stupid: During his argument with Sané, he touched his counterpart’s face twice – whether you consider this action a slap in the face or not, the fact is: it was an act of violence that was not appropriate.
The Berliners also saw it that way. “We don’t need to discuss that, period,” said Kevin Vogt when viewing the TV pictures on “Sky” and did not want to “excuse” Bjelica’s action in any way, but he also pointed out that it had been “well provoked” by Sané . Thomas Tuchel was diplomatic, only saying that it was “not good” and that it would be difficult to “defend” Bjelica – but he didn’t want to say anything more about it.
In any case, Willenborg showed Sané the yellow card and rightly sent Bjelica, who was still angry and complaining, into the stands with a red card. From there he had to witness how his protégés lost the very poor game towards the end. Now the DFB sports court is likely to deal with the scene – and Bjelica will probably face a ban.
This is not okay and should not be tolerated.
Nenad Bjelica on his sending off
After the final whistle, the Croatian showed understanding – at least partially. “I’m not reacting the way I should react as a coach. That’s not okay and what I did shouldn’t be tolerated,” said the 52-year-old and said that he understood the red card.
Bjelica also emphasized that he had to apologize to his “own team”, but not to Sané, because he had ultimately provoked him: “I’m in my zone, I want to get the ball and give it to Sané. He has me in my space pushed, then of course I reacted. He comes into my room to provoke me.”
2024-01-24 22:07:21
#Bjelicas #accusation #Sané #provoke
