FC Bayern beat 1. FC Köln on matchday 29 of the Bundesliga. Here you can read all the voices and reactions to the record champions' game.
Munich – Between the cracking games in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against FC Arsenal, FC Bayern hosted 1. FC Cologne. After two league defeats in a row against Dortmund (0:2) and Heidenheim (2:3), the good performance of the 2:2 against Arsenal should be confirmed in the home game against Cologne.
And Bayern finally achieved that with a commanding 2-0 victory over the guests thanks to goals from Raphaël Guerreiro (65th) and Thomas Müller (90+3rd). However, before the game, coach Thomas Tuchel stated that he would make changes to the team with a view to the second leg against the Londoners.
We summarize all the voices surrounding FC Bayern's Bundesliga game against Cologne:
Thomas Tuchel (FC Bayern coach) after the Cologne game on Sky about...
... the injury to Kingsley Coman:
“What was obviously hanging over the whole game: The big downer is the injury to Kingsley (
Coman
, editor's note) today. You can see it on his face and directly in his movement. This makes me very sad because I know how hard he worked and how important he is to us. And then first Serge (
Gnabry
, editor's note) is out and then he and Leroy it's up in the air, which is of course bitter."
... the win against Cologne:
“Well, it was the bare minimum and the result we wanted. We can now prepare for Wednesday without any further disruption.
... the offensive options in the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal:
“Kingsley Coman was of course predestined to take on Serge Gnabry's role. Serge was in absolutely top form and scored four goals. And so they kind of go there, the options. And on Wednesday we just have to find solutions and throw everything into the balance.”
... the option of using Bukayo Saka as left-back in the second leg against Arsenal Noussair Mazraoui:
“Yes, with the right foot it would probably fit quite well. In the national team he defended on the left and with his right foot against Saka's left foot. He's a bit stronger defensively than Rafa (
Raphaël Guerreiro
, editor's note) but Rafa can play there too, so we'll see. I think those are our two options. Or we do something crazy and put Minjae Kim or Dayot Upamecano on the left side.”
...the chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League:
“It’s completely balanced. As of today there are two, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sané, who will hopefully come back but were not fit today. Two key players are injured again, which is of course serious. At this level, the options from the bench and the daily form and rhythm can make the difference. We will be ready on Wednesday and we need the crowd, we need a bit of match luck and an absolutely top performance.”
Matthijs de Ligt (FC Bayern) after the game against Cologne on Sky about ...
... the win against Cologne:
“The game against Arsenal was of course a very difficult game for us, mentally but also physically. And then again today against an opponent who is very compact. Then of course it's easier if you score the goals straight away or convert the chances. But in the end I think 2-0 is enough.”
Thomas Tuchel (FC Bayern coach) before the Cologne game on Sky about...
... his ban today against Cologne:
“I had three yellow cards very early on and then nothing. And then I was completely safe for the last few games. I have to live with it. The perspective from the stands is of course good. I see them well, but you have no communication. That’s why it’s no use.”
... the importance of a win against Cologne today:
“It's the Bundesliga, so we have to step on the gas. That is simply an obligation in itself and we are behind our own demands. In any case, it is clearly communicated and is our own claim. The criticism is of course justified. The best preparation for Wednesday is of course a good game today, but we have left far too much behind in the last few weeks. That's why we're now level on points with Stuttgart. We have an absolute duty. We still need points to secure Champions League qualification.”
... the goal of qualifying for the Champions League:
“The frequency is 100 percent on. Unfortunately, we definitely weren't like that often enough in the Bundesliga. There are simply a lot of points missing. We also lacked the hunger, the intensity, the willpower in far too many games. Especially in the last few weeks. That's why the gap is huge and Stuttgart is now level on points. That is anything but our claim. But as always in sports, there is always a next game. This is here today and this is always the most important thing.”
... the injury to Manuel Neuer:
“Manu (
Manuel Neuer
, editor’s note)
reported adductor problems during training yesterday. Then we checked again briefly this morning because he really wanted to play. There was still a residual risk. And now there was really no reason to take any remaining risks today. Especially not when Ulle (
Sven Ulreich
, editor's note) is fit. With regard to the second leg on Wednesday, the risk of something happening again was too great.”
... his decision to field Noussair Mazraoui as a left-back:
“Nuss (
Noussair Mazraoui
, editor's note) played left-back in the national team and is very strong in tackles. And Rafa (
Raphaël Guerreiro
, editor's note) and Alex (Aleksandar Pavlović, editor's note) have already played together in midfield.”
... Leon Goretzka and today's lineup against Cologne:
“That's also a precautionary measure. He's had problems the last two days that have spread to his back a bit. He trained again yesterday and is also in the squad today. But in the constellation that Alex Pavlovic also urgently needs minutes and then Konny (
Konrad Laimer
, editor's note), he could have played again. Then we said we would complete the change in midfield. Serge Gnabry is out anyway, Leroy Sane is out, Manu (
Manuel Neuer
, editor's note) has yet to sign off. So yes, there are a few changes, but I actually quite like it. It would also have been possible to play completely with the same team (
from last Tuesday
, editor's note). But I also think it's okay because those who haven't played have to show on Tuesday that they're ready for Wednesday, because it can go over 120 minutes."
(kus)