FC Bayern Munich will face Arsenal FC in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Thomas Helmer unpacks in an interview.
Munich – Thomas Helmer (58) is familiar with games under pressure and in a red jersey. In the interview, the European champion, the moderator of the Sport1 fan talk on Wednesday (8:15 p.m.), talks about FC Bayern's game against Arsenal.
Mr. Helmer, the championship is officially gone. The game against Arsenal is the last chance for FC Bayern...
...everyone is aware of that. You already saw that in the first leg. In London, just in terms of body language and effort, there was a huge difference to everything before. This is Bayern's Champions League face.
Can this “especially now” lead to success?
This will be a very difficult game. But Arsenal has now also suffered a setback - and a bigger one than Bayern recently faced. In addition, Bayern are not that good for them. For me the game is completely open, so a good outcome for Bayern is realistic. And then…
...a different caliber awaits.
(
laughs
) Indeed. The quarter-final games showed how high the standard is. On good days, Bavaria can keep up. Not on bad ones.
As a coach you have to make those you have available strong. That's Thomas' job!
Thomas Helmer
How important is the experience factor?
This could be a factor, especially in tricky situations. And it's also good that Bayern filter out something that is positive for them. There are players like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich, old heroes who can and must take the reins. It's up to them now.
Could “those who were declared dead live longer” become the motto for the rest of the season?
I found Jan-Christian Dreesen's words a bit too harsh. Of course there was unrest, all season long. Nevertheless, you can reach the semi-finals – and for me that would have a conciliatory character at the end of this wild season. Thomas Tuchel's relationship with the club would also make things look more positive afterwards.
He seemed dismayed at the weekend given his injury woes.
I don't think complaining is of any use now. I'm sorry for the boys, for Coman, for Gnabry too, as a player that's modest. But as a coach you have to make those you have available strong. That's Thomas' job!
Suddenly all hopes rest on Leroy Sané, who hasn't scored since the fall.
It would be the best moment for him to ignite! It often happens that the knot bursts at just such a moment. He can do that! He showed that in the first leg too. When he gets going, it's sensational! I think very highly of Leroy. He gets criticized too much for me. He belongs in this team and we should continue to rely on him in the future.
Who else matters to you?
Jamal Musiala is someone who can decide a game like this on his own. But in duels like this, for me it's all about defense. If you stand stable and the opponent runs like a wolf, then that is also a psychological advantage.
A few weeks ago you said that you were getting “cold terror” when it came to Bayern’s defense.
That was after the Heidenheim game, with three blatant positional errors. I just couldn't believe it! All four central defenders can do so much better.
Will the speed of the suspended Alphonso Davies be missing?
This will be a big problem. I've already philosophized with some former players: Maybe we need a Benedikt Höwedes, like in the 2014 World Cup team. Someone who doesn't move forward much, but keeps the side tight.
Helmer thinks of Höwedes
Who is the Bavarian Höwedes?
You almost have to play with three central defenders at the back. But whether Kim or Upamecano are doing it so well at the moment is questionable! Tuchel has to solve this somehow.
Would you actually rather have Tuchel's or Max Eberl's job at the moment?
Eberls! Being a coach with an expiration date is thankless. But sports director in these times: That's a great challenge!
Helmer on the Bavarian upheaval: “Enough construction sites”
How big does the upheaval have to be?
A speed player on the wing should come. A holding six wouldn't be bad either - but who knows whether the new coach will still want it. The same goes for the outside defensive positions. There are already enough construction sites!
Even those in the coaching chair. Your favorite?
The return of Julian Nagelsmann seems most likely at the moment. And I can also imagine that he wants to show that it was too early and that he can do better. That wouldn't be a bad move for him.
Would it be an admission of error from Bayern?
You could sit back and say: Those who fired him are no longer there. But you don't have to worry about admitting: Hey, we acted too early. That was a mistake! Admitting mistakes is a strength. And if you say, we are now convinced that it will work, then Julian would have a completely different start.
Interview: Hanna Raif