Munich (AP) – Julian Nagelsmann was only at the end of November with FC Bayern in the metropolis of Kiev. This is one of the reasons why the 34-year-old coach is very touched and dismayed by the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Of course, the global political issue is also superimposed in Munich on the preparation of the table leaders for the top game in the Bundesliga this Saturday evening (6.30 p.m. / Sky) at Eintracht Frankfurt.
“I’m shocked and also a bit scared that something like this would happen, even in a country where we were not too long ago, jogged across the square and looked at the very beautiful city,” said Nagelsmann with emotion Agree with his opening statement at the matchday press conference on Friday.
Nagellmann calls the final transfer “correct”
Just three months ago, the Munich team played against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League in the Ukrainian capital. Nagelsmann said it was “right” that the German record champions would not play in St. Petersburg, Russia, but in Paris if they reached the final in Europe’s premier class, following a UEFA decision.
However, the sporting path to the Stade de France is still a long way off. Bayern are currently on course for their tenth consecutive championship in the Bundesliga and getting themselves in top form for the round of 16 second leg against Austrian champions RB Salzburg, who are plagued by a massive outbreak of the corona virus.
The virus continues to affect everyday life in Bavaria. Thomas Müller is absent in Frankfurt, which was recently able to acquire the aura of Bayern fright and also won the first leg in Munich 2-1. The leader is infected with Corona for the second time, but only had “a minimal cold,” as Nagelsmann reported.
Musiala for Müller
National player Jamal Musiala, also just recovered from Covid-19, is to replace veteran Müller as a driver on the offensive. “He’s the number one candidate,” confirmed the coach. The 18-year-old Musiala “trained outstandingly”. The youngster is supposed to build steam in attacking midfield until he gets tired.
Nagelsmann has to make another change in defensive midfield after the loss of Corentin Tolisso compared to the recent home win against Fürth. Marcel Sabitzer and Marc Roca are the options.
Actually, there shouldn’t be any question that Sabitzer will play. But this has been a mystery since arriving in Munich at the end of August 2021. After 22 appearances, the Austrian national player is still without a goal contribution. In Leipzig, the 27-year-old was captain, manager and top performer. He collected 43 points in two seasons under Nagelsmann.
Waiting for a goal from Sabitzer
In Munich, everyone has been waiting for months for the 15 million euro new signing to finally click. “He has a lot more in the tank,” said Nagelsmann. “I actually think that one pivotal moment can help him. An assist, a goal.” Nagelsmann speaks of “TV moments” that every fan perceives.
Honorary President Uli Hoeneß relies on the factors of time and Nagelsmann for Sabitzer: “He knows the coach well. And the coach really wanted to have him. He just has to be patient.”
Nagelsmann does not like to discuss basic arrangements with a chain of three or four in view of the stuttering Bayern engine. He thinks the system issue is overused in Germany. “It depends on how you fill something with life.”
He is in constant contact with his players about playing style and offensive orientation. “The feedback from the team is that they are satisfied with the way they are going in terms of content and tactics,” assured Nagelsmann. In Frankfurt, the master class should definitely be held against an opponent with “good physical condition” and “good biliousness”. “We want to avoid a fewer points ahead,” said Nagelsmann, looking at the table and the six-point cushion over Borussia Dortmund.