“Not all at 100 percent”
Julian Nagelsmann will field a significantly different Bayern team in the Bundesliga against FC Augsburg. “We’ll have to make a few changes because not everyone is at 100 percent,” said the league leaders’ coach, looking ahead to the home game this Saturday (3:30 p.m.).
Goalscorer Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is out with back problems, Nagelsmann said on Friday. In addition, several players “reported fatigue” after the exhausting 2-0 win in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. Nagelsmann named Matthijs de Ligt, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka, who will probably all be given a break or at least not play from the start.
The Augsburg game will probably be an opportunity for some well-known players who recently only came from the bench. In addition to Benjamin Pavard, who was suspended against PSG, attacking forces Sadio Mané, Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, who scored against Paris after being substituted on, are hot starting XI candidates.
Nagelsmann posed demonstratively in front of Sané and Gnabry, who were linked to a potential summer change in “Sport Bild” during the week: “Every player has their own character. It is important to respect, accept and deal with the characteristics of the players. Leroy and Serge have exceptional qualities and I always try to support them.”
Müller past Kahn: Most Bundesliga appearances for FC Bayern
FC Bayern: Nagelsmann gives João Cancelo a guarantee against Augsburg
The Portuguese João Cancelo, who was recently very dissatisfied with his reserve role, even got a commitment guarantee. After a conversation, the Manchester City loanee showed a good reaction in training. “So I assume he’ll play. And I’m sure that he will show the good things he showed in training in the game as well,” said Nagelsmann.
The German record champions lost the first leg in Augsburg 0-1. This should not be repeated in view of the close fight for the title and the equal number of points with Borussia Dortmund. “It’s never that easy to come back straight after a Champions League game,” said Nagelsmann. “The initial phase will be crucial.”
To home page