A lack of directness in front of the opposing goal, a “very, very static” appearance for long stretches, “inappropriate free-wheeling behavior”, a “very weak” start to the second half and only a “good game” in the first six and the last 20 minutes: Words that suggest a debacle, but with which coach Julian Nagelsmann rated no less than a 3-0 win for his FC Bayern against VfL Bochum. A smart move?
It was not surprising that Julian Nagelsmann, in his 67-second analysis of the 3-0 win against VfL Bochum, took a tough stance on the stars of FC Bayern. Ex-national player and TV expert Dietmar Hamann even spoke of a “call for help” on “Sky”, which in turn was not well received by Nagelsmann.
“I didn’t hit it, it wasn’t a call for help either, as I read it for whatever reason,” said the 35-year-old at the press conference before the Champions League cracker against Paris Saint-Germain. In general, he is someone who is open to “depicting the game as I saw it. What you get back from the media landscape is not always gratitude,” Nagelsmann continued. In addition, his criticism included himself.
“That’s why I also spoke of we. I have the right to get my share of it if I win, so I also know that I’m partly to blame for defeats,” said the trainer.
And indeed: the slightly material way in which Nagelsmann babbles his analysis into the microphone, his gaze rather unfocused, has little in common with a reckoning.
On the contrary, Nagelsmann still seems to be stuck in the “tactical tunnel”: The relentless uncovering of weaknesses – even after victories – is one of the secrets of the coach’s success, who at the age of 35 is already in his second year on the sidelines of FC Bayern.
However, to suggest that Nagelsmann was unaware that the media would be only too happy to pounce on his statements is downright naïve.
Because as seemingly casually as Nagelsmann expressed his criticism, the framework was deliberately public. And of course “We” includes the coaching team, but the fact that Nagelsmann is superficially swatting away what’s happening on the pitch cannot be denied. The statements should not have conjured up a smile on the faces of his protégés.
One thing is clear: Nagelsmann aroused emotions with his words. Meanwhile, it is unclear what the reaction will be.
Is there a wagon mentality returning to FC Bayern?
It cannot be ruled out that the media exploitation of the analysis and Nagelsmann’s subsequent downplaying will revive the once notorious Wagenburg mentality in Munich. True to the motto: Now more than ever!
However, should Bayern fail to deliver a convincing performance in Paris, Nagelsmann has maneuvered himself into an awkward situation. Why did Nagelsmann’s criticism not bring the desired reaction? Does the coach reach the team at all? How clear does the coach have to be? If the worst comes to the worst, it will be difficult to keep these questions away from Säbener Strasse.
In this context, explosive offers a formulation that Nagelsmann chose on Monday: He also addresses grievances because he sees “a lot of potential” in the team. “If at some point I’m not upset anymore, then I’ll be resigned,” Nagelsmann clearly stated. In other words, silence is not an option in the event of failure.
“Important game for FC Bayern and an important game for me personally”
Of course, it is not surprising that Nagelsmann pulls out all the stops in the run-up to the important premier class duel against PSG. “Of course it’s an important game for FC Bayern and also an important game for me personally. Of course, a season is rated differently if you get far in the Champions League than if you’re eliminated very early,” he explained when asked. A comment that proves that the pressure is no less after the early exit in the preseason.
Whether Nagelsmann’s criticism ultimately turns out to be a boomerang or a brilliant move will only become clear when the final whistle sounds in the Parc des Princes in the evening.
Marc Affeldt