Stand: November 2, 2024, 8:33 a.m
Von: Philipp Kessler, Manuel Bonke
PressSplit
Bayern scored a few great goals against Mainz. “Rebounds” could also become Munich’s trump card against Union Berlin.
Munich – Who is afraid of FC Bayern?
Some of the Munich stars showed off their Halloween outfits on Thursday. Former sports director and club legend Hasan Salihamidzic presented himself as a joker, the injured Aleksandar Pavlovic wore an orange prisoner jumpsuit including handcuffs and Kingsley Coman went around the houses with his wife and child as a Frankenstein cross-section.
Trick or treating?! One thing is clear: the scary Bavarians want to celebrate the big party on Saturday. After two big victories recently in Bochum (5:0) and Mainz (4:0), the record champions would also like to put Union Berlin (3.30 p.m., Sky) to shame and continue to laugh undefeated at the top of the table in the Bundesliga.
It was already evident against Mainz: Bayern’s new strength as a trump card against Union
“We have to be patient. Union defends extremely well. They have conceded five goals so far in the league. An incredible defense. That will be a difficult task against Union. They didn’t score these 14 points for nothing,” said sports director Max Eberl before the home game against the fourth-place team.
Coach Vincent Kompany is looking forward to the sold-out Allianz Arena. “Of the last 13 games we had nine away games. It’s a game in the Allianz Arena, finally a home game again,” said the Belgian on Friday. “We know that they are good defensively and on the counterattack. They are very active in the second balls and have a lot of personalities in the team, the communication and belief are good. It’s a team that knows exactly what it has to do. We definitely don’t underestimate them. Hopefully our strengths will make the difference.”
FC Bayern meets Union Berlin: Kompany calls for “patience”
A key to success could be – as Jamal Musiala recently showed in the cup win in Mainz – scoring goals. But how do you train that, she asked tz Coach Kompany. “There are two options. On the one hand, you repeat the movement patterns over and over again,” explained the Belgian. “We also have good role models here like Thomas Müller and Harry Kane. We need as many boys as possible who believe in the situations and recognize them.” Kompany speaks of so-called “rebounds”, in football these would be blocked shots on goal that are pushed over the line into the goal from close range in the second attempt.
In just 13 games under Kompany, Bayern have already scored 47 goals. But the Iron Men from Berlin are an opponent who is strong defensively. “Union is the second best defense in the league. Maybe we need to take another step to score goals. We want to give it our all and hopefully get a win,” Kompany made clear.
Dayot Upamecano should be ready again against Union Berlin
However, Bayern are plagued by injury concerns in defense. New signings Hiroki Ito (broken metatarsal) and Josip Stanisic (torn knee ligament) are not yet ready for action. Eric Dier had to be substituted with an injury in Mainz, while regular central defender Dayot Upamecano (thigh bruise) was sidelined there. Nevertheless, the trend is “good” for both, says Kompany: “Nevertheless, we are giving ourselves until tomorrow to make a decision.”
At least defense monster Minjae Kim is fit. Philipp Kessler, Manuel Bonke
