2023-09-02 21:01:00
FC Bayern had to wait five games for a win once morest Borussia Mönchengladbach (6-0 on matchday 32 of the 2020/21 season), the last away three on the Lower Rhine even dated March 2, 2019.
On Saturday evening, the Munich team successfully broke the Borussia Park curse, although there were initially many indications that the dreary series would be extended.
At half-time, the harmless record champions were behind following a headed goal by Ko Itakura (30′), but an enormous improvement in performance following the break gave Thomas Tuchel’s team a deserved 2-1 win.
The outstanding Leroy Sané (58th) and Edeljoker Mathys Tel (87th) put the guests on the road to victory. Tuchel, who not only showed a lucky hand because of Tel’s substitution, declared the upswing in the second half as “the best half of the current season”.
Three things that stood out.
1.) Where? Sane!
After two convincing appearances once morest Bremen (4:0) and Augsburg (3:1), star newcomer Harry Kane remained rather pale in Gladbach for the first time. The Englishman didn’t fire a shot on goal and looked reasonably isolated despite a dedicated mileage.
Only 31 ball actions were recorded when he was substituted in added time, and Kane only won two of his 14 tackles.
The fact that Munich’s record man was largely sidelined didn’t weigh too heavily in the end. Because: Sané jumped into the breach for Kane. The German national player was the most conspicuous offensive player, almost every attack went through him.
FC Bayern defeated Gladbach 2-1
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Sané successfully completed nine of 14 dribbles, winning over 60 percent of the direct duels. The 27-year-old found his master just before the break in the strong Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas (39th), the international made it better following just under an hour following a great Kimmich template.
But Sané not only shone in the game up front, the noble technician was also noticed once more and once more as an honest worker on the defensive. A circumstance that should make Tuchel particularly happy.
Even before the duel with the foals, the coach had found words of praise for Sané. “Leroy is very positive at the moment. He’s positive in training and his body language is also very positive. I have the feeling that he likes being here, that he enjoys being on the pitch,” said Tuchel.
He added: “Leroy is happy with himself. And when he’s at peace with himself, he can be someone who makes the difference. Then he has to be someone who dominates the league. Also in statistics with assists and goals. “
Words that fall on fertile ground with Sané. After three Bundesliga games, the attacker has three goals.
2.) Tuchel’s golden hand
After a creative and poor first half, Tuchel felt compelled to react. Right-back Noussair Mazraoui, who was threatened by yellow-red, went down, Konrad Laimer, a defensive midfielder, replaced the Moroccan.
A small hint from Tuchel that he actually sees Laimer as a temporary help for the defensive flank. After the departure of Benjamin Pavard (Inter) and Josip Stanisic (Bayer Leverkusen, loan), Bayern are rather weak in the right-back position: Only Mazraoui and permanent bench presser Bouna Sarr are trained right-backs.
Tuchel was noticeably annoyed that those responsible did not succeed in signing another alternative. Tuchel called the decision to start the season with such a “thin” squad “a bit brave”.
But: Laimer, who had been used time and time once more as a temporary defender at ex-club RB Leipzig, was convincing in Gladbach. Strong in tackles and creative in the offensive game, the Austrian applied for further chances.
“I came in at the back right and should bring in some energy. I did that as best I might. It was definitely fun,” said the 26-year-old happily. He added: “I’ll put it this way – in the end it’s fun to play. Whether it’s in midfield or right back doesn’t matter that much. The coach decides where I play.”
Mathys Tel shot FC Bayern to victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Laimer’s acceptance was not the only stroke of luck for Tuchel. Tel’s substitution should also turn out to be spot on.
The 18-year-old Frenchman brought momentum into the game and was the decisive factor with his headed goal. Tel contributed six of his seven Bundesliga goals as a joker – the highest number in the league since the beginning of the previous season.
3.) Kimmich in boss mode
Joshua Kimmich has often faced criticism in recent weeks.
With some statements, Tuchel did not make a lasting contribution to Kimmich’s role as a six being less questioned. “Joshua is the strategic guy who would like to do everything,” explained Tuchel: “He brings a lot of quality to the team, but still doesn’t have the DNA of a defensive six.”
Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich
Fotocredit: Getty Images
He would have liked to have “crossed a player” with Kimmich, admitted Tuchel before the game in Gladbach, noting that the missed signing of a six meant that Kimmich would now have to “curb his creative potential”.
But Kimmich didn’t do that. Against Borussia, the substitute captain showed his best performance of the season so far. Kimmich might be found everywhere, acted as a ball magnet (128 ball actions, 100 passes) and opportunity initiator (six shots on target).
The cherry on the much-cited cake: The two precise templates were the first two points for Kimmich in the fresh season. Tuchel will not necessarily have been annoyed.
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