Not particularly spectacular, not always sovereign, but still well deserved in the end: FC Bayern showed against VfL Wolfsburg that they can also win “differently”. The protagonists were correspondingly satisfied after the game. The “DAZN” voices at a glance:
Julian Nagelsmann (Coach FC Bayern Munich) …
… to the game: “The second half was a lot about controlling the game. Wolfsburg wanted relatively little, especially at the end. It was about us having more possession and control and not wanting to play everything forward. In the first half we had that In the first ten minutes we had a bit of a problem getting the energy onto the pitch because Wolfsburg were physically very good. After that we did very well, we had a real pressure phase in 20 minutes where more goals could come. Wolfsburg were very deep there.
There wasn’t too much to press because Wolfsburg played every ball – it was a lot about second balls. We didn’t do that well at first, but then we did a lot better. In the second half we had two or three chances to score a third goal. We scored two more offside goals, which were very close. We had 24 shots to three or something – a deserved win.”
… for discussion during the drinking break: “During the week we trained a new structure that we did last year. We changed that a bit against such a deep opponent. Then shortly after the change we scored the goal immediately – Sadio’s offside goal. It was just a matter of adjusting the positions again and saying where we want the ball to go and how we can pull the opponent apart a bit.”
… on the early form of the team (before the game): “The fact that we have quality is innate and trained in many of our players. What is important is the energy that we want to see on the pitch – and the team showed that very well. In terms of emotional level in Frankfurt we were better than the opponents, It’s not that easy in the stadium in Frankfurt. If we bring in these virtues, then we have very good quality.”
… to the set bids in the team (before the game): “We had to adjust a bit because of Robert Lewandowski’s departure. Our style of play has changed a bit. We brought in very good characters who bring a positive attitude. Who have already won a lot in their careers, but still have the hunger to do so spray to celebrate further successes. They were all really up for Bayern Munich. That gives other players – I’m thinking of Serge Gnabry’s extension – a great desire to continue. This energy is not to be taken for granted, but it should become normal for us .”
Thomas Müller (goal scorer FC Bayern Munich): “It wasn’t as lavish as the first two games. We struggled a bit in the first ten minutes. Wolfsburg played long balls very early on and didn’t even give us the chance to get into our pressing momentum. They did Physically strong players, fast wingers. Then we needed a bit, but then we gained a foothold in the first half and were then 2-0 ahead. And in the second half it was a lot of control. We could have had a few more others can do. We’ve had a couple of dealings with the video referee for offside.”
Jamal Musiala (goal scorer FC Bayern Munich) …
… at the start of the season: “Things are going very, very well for us. We’re playing good football, the kind we practice all the time in training. We’re trying to bring the same energy and style of play to the pitch.”
… to the weak initial phase: “We didn’t get into the game really well in the first ten minutes. Wolfsburg had a lot of chances. Our energy level wasn’t that high, we were a bit tired. But then we increased our energy and had a long phase in which we were controlled and had a lot of offensive chances – and then we scored the two goals in a short space of time.”
… on the magic of the Bayern offensive: “We are very flexible and rotate a lot. We have a lot of control up front, have a lot of ball contacts and runs deep. It’s fun to be up there.”
Hassan Salihamidzic (Sporting Director FC Bayern Munich) …
… to contact ex-coach Niko Kovac (before the game): “We worked very well together. Sometimes it happens that you separate. But we have a good relationship.”
… to talk to Julian Nagelsmann about newcomers (before the game): “The transfer market phases are always different. You look at the financial possibilities and the market. You have two, three, maybe four plans. Sometimes something works and sometimes things don’t work – then you have to orientate yourself and see that you at the end of the transfer market period, provides the coach with a team that corresponds to his idea – and that has worked out quite well this year.”
… on Julian Nagelsmann’s say in the transfer of Sadio Mane (before the game): “Julian and I have already done it together. The first contacts were of course with the agency and the consultants. When we were both sitting in my garden, we also talked about other things – Serge Gnabry also has them. That’s when the idea came about from each other – and then of course we flew straight to Liverpool two days later.”
… on the final decision on transfers (before the game): “First the idea comes up, then you sit down together. It’s clear that the coach is sitting at the table. Oliver Kahn and Marco Neppe are also there. First we try to develop the basic idea. It wasn’t difficult with Sadio, everyone That’s why we flew there two days later and tried to talk to the player straight away and step on the gas. But of course, when things are big like this, we have to discuss it among ourselves first – and then we have to do a bit check with the board of directors.”
… on the exchange of views with Julian Nagelsmann regarding transfers (before the game): “That’s what makes Julian special. If we have arguments in the vote, why yes or why no, Julian is totally understanding. If we say that it doesn’t suit the club and us, then he often goes with it. Of course he says sometimes, “I like it that way and that’s my idea. Then we have to talk about it again. That’s why working with Julian is relaxed. We can discuss, we can also get loud – but we always leave the room and understand us.”