BAYERN BOOM ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Reds have an eight-point lead in the table over Christmas, they are in the last sixteen in the Champions League and in the last eight in the DFB Cup: the first half of FCB's season was perfect on the pitch. But the German record champions can also look back on a highly successful year in the digital world. FC Bayern's social platforms are booming, and there is no end in sight.
FC Bayern currently communicates with 52 million fans throughout the world via social media. A year ago the number was 40 million – a 30 percent growth rate! This is primarily caused by enormous growth on Facebook and Instagram.
In total there are 28 official FC Bayern accounts on 15 different platforms. Besides the large sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, smaller and regional platforms like Soundcloud or VK in Russia are among them. Additionally, there are four Chinese accounts, which are managed directly from China, augmented by social media sites maintained by the fan club service, the junior team and mascot Berni.
Snapchat is the most recent addition to Bayern’s digital world. It is an instant messaging service built on the principle that all content, be it photos or videos, will be deleted after a few seconds or 24 hours at most, depending on the settings. With its creative and humorous content Snapchat has gained worldwide popularity in no time at all.
The social media boom. To borrow Oliver Kahn's words: Keep going! Keep going!
MÜLLER SETS NEW PERSONAL BEST
A Bayern side depleted by injuries summoned up their last remaining energy and bowed out for the first half of the 2015/16 campaign with a tight but deserved 1-0 victory away to Hannover at the weekend. The German champions head into the winter break on the back of another win and now lead the Bundesliga by a comfortable eight points, ensuring a happy holiday season for everyone associated with the club.
Yet again, Thomas Müller was the leading actor in the drama in Lower Saxony. On the day after the Germany international extended his stay at FC Bayern through 2021, he sealed Munich’s 15th league win of term with a 40th-minute penalty. Impressively, FCB have not lost in the Bundesliga when Müller has scored: of the 67 matches in which the Bavarian native has netted at least once, the Reds have won 64 with three draws.
THOMAS: THE BREAK WILL DO US GOOD
“It’s a nice stat and I’d be delighted to keep it going,” Müller noted. The 26-year-old scored the opening goal for the sixth time this season and is now up to 21 goals in competitive matches this term, equalling his total for the whole of the last campaign. He has achieved the feat in just over half the number of appearances, 26 so far compared to 48 in 2014/15.
Taking the Bundesliga alone, Müller has already beaten his previous best of 13 goals for the season with only 17 of the 34 matches played. His penalty at Hannover took him up to 14 for the campaign, and it is a fair bet he will add to that total in the second half of the season. However, his priority for now is to relax and recuperate over the holidays.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want the break,” Thomas admitted after the weekend fixture, “but if we did have a game in a couple of days, I’d play and enjoy it.” And he’d probably score too.
ICING ON THE CAKE BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS
FC Bayern were exhausted but happy as they returned to Munich on Saturday evening after the 1-0 victory over Hannover. A glance at the Bundesliga table heightened the collective sense of anticipation prior to the Christmas holidays: the Bavarians have restored their eight-point lead following Borussia Dortmund’s defeat on Saturday. “It's the icing on the cake,” commented Thomas Müller, “we can now start the two-week break for real.”
Bayern travelled to Lower Saxony with a depleted squad on Friday evening. Eight regulars were sidelined (Lahm, Robben, Ribéry, Götze, Alaba, Costa, Benatia and Bernat), the others were exhausted due to the many energy-sapping games over the last few weeks. “It was a last effort,” said Müller, who scored the match-winning goal from the penalty spot 40 minutes into the contest, wrapping up FCB’s 15th win in 17 league matches.
The men from Munich showed their qualities in the first half in particular, but did not make the most of their chances. “We lacked a little bit of luck,” explained Robert Lewandowski. After the break Bayern slowed the pace and concentrated on preserving their lead. “After the many injuries we primarily wanted to control the game today,” declared Guardiola: “A huge compliment to my players, it was a crucial win.”
'WE'RE FULLY ON TARGET'
FCB have ended the first half of the season on an excellent tally of 46 points. The Reds were even more successful before the winter break just once before, with 47 points two years ago. “Of course we can speak of a good first half of the season, we're fully on target,” commented Manuel Neuer, who only had to show his qualities once: eight minutes into the game he directed a header by Leon Andreasen onto the bar with a fine reaction save.
But the Bavarians spent little time discussing the course of the game after the final whistle, turning their attention to what is to come: the second half of the campaign (Neuer: “We'll attack”) and the eagerly-awaited holidays. “I have to regenerate and unwind,” said Neuer. The same goes for his team-mates. Müller offered his own perspective: “It's nice to have time to see everyone and start the day without any appointments. Football is a wonderful game, but it's not everything in life.”
FCB STRETCH LEAD WITH WORKMANLIKE END-OF-YEAR WIN
Bayern made light of a serious end-of-year injury crisis and rounded off the first half of the 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign with a tight but fully deserved 1-0 victory away to struggling Hannover 96 in Saturday’s final match of the year, ensuring the Reds consolidate their position as league leaders in the winter break.
The 49,000 capacity crowd at the HDI Arena saw Pep Guardiola’s vastly superior team build up a real head of first-half steam, but Robert Lewandowski crashed a shot off the post and home keeper Ron-Robert Zieler made a string of great saves before Thomas Müller broke the deadlock with a 40th-minute penalty. The home side looked a lot more solid in the second half without ever seriously troubling the visitors, who were content to do the necessary and book the three points.
The champions’ 15th win in the 17 matches to date means FCB head into the mid-season break at the top of the table on 46 points, now eight clear of second-placed Dortmund after Borussia’s defeat to Köln in a parallel fixture. The Bavarians return to competitive action in the New Year at 20.30 CET on Friday 22 January when they get Bundesliga Matchday 18 underway at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.
STARTS FOR THIAGO AND BADSTUBER
Bayern coach Guardiola made two changes to the team that beat Darmstadt 1-0 in the midweek cup tie, with Thiago and Holger Badstuber taking over from Joshua Kimmich and injured skipper Philipp Lahm.
The captain joined an injury roster of crisis proportions also including David Alaba, Mehdi Benatia, Franck Ribery, Mario Götze, Juan Bernat, Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa, which in turn meant FCB had only three outfield players on the bench: Kimmich, Sebastian Rode and Jan Kirchhoff.
The team that took to the field comprised Manuel Neuer in goal, a nominal back three of Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Badstuber, Xabi Alonso in the holding position, Rafinha, Arturo Vidal and Thiago in midfield, and a front three of Kingsley Coman, Müller and Lewandowski.
ONE UP AT THE BREAK
After referee Manuel Gräfe whistled play underway on a mild afternoon in Lower Saxony the match opened explosively with a gilt-edged chance at either end. On five minutes Thiago brilliantly controlled Vidal’s chip but Zieler produced a stunning reaction save to deny the Spaniard from barely six yards, before Neuer just managed to fingertip Leon Andreasen’s header from Miiko Albornoz’ cross onto the crossbar three minutes later.
The visitors imposed their patient passing game after that and chances came from the midpoint of the half onwards. Zieler saved from Coman, Müller and Vidal came close, and Lewandowski crashed a left-foot curler off the far post, with Zieler scrambling Müller’s follow-up off the line.
The pressure was intense with Coman coming up inches short and Thiago cracking a shot just wide, before the Reds took a long-overdue lead five minutes from half-time when Müller coolly converted a spot-kick awarded for home captain Christian Schulz’ blatant handball from Coman’s driven cross.
COMPOSED SECOND HALF
The Bavarians remained on the front foot in the early stages of the second half with Thiago flashing a drive narrowly wide of the target, Vidal shooting too close to Zieler, and the H96 keeper beating away Lewandowski’s next effort. Guardiola’s men came close with a well-rehearsed free-kick routine only for Martinez to snatch his shot from Müller’s 57th-minute knockdown, and the home team now enjoyed a slightly better spell with Edgar Prib aiming not far over Neuer’s goal.
The league leaders were making a shade less headway now and their coach reacted by bringing on Kimmich for Badstuber on 73 minutes. Zieler comfortably dealt with Müller’s shot and Coman speared a low drive wide of the near post, before Rode replaced the hobbling Vidal as the match and the footballing year drew to a close.
Live match report for fcbayern.de by Chris Hamley
MÜLLER, BOATENG, MARTÍNEZ AND ALONSO EXTEND STAYS AT FCB
Germany internationals Thomas Müller (26) and Jerome Boateng (27), and Spain international Javi Martinez (27), have agreed contract extensions with FC Bayern München through 30 June 2021.
“We’re delighted these important players have made long-term commitments,” commented FC Bayern München chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Thomas, Jerome and Javi know how to win trophies, including the Champions League. They will add quality and stability to our team in the long run.”
Xabi Alonso (34) has accepted FC Bayern’s offer of a contract extension through 30 June 2017. “I’m very pleased Xabi will remain with us for at least another year and a half,” commented FC Bayern deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen. “With his experience as a World Cup and Champions League winner he has become an important part of FC Bayern. We held good and harmonious talks this week.”
Thomas Müller has been at FC Bayern since the year 2000. Jerome Boateng joined the club from Manchester City in 2011, Javi Martinez from Bilbao in 2012, and Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid in 2014.
Thomas Müller: “I have the feeling and am convinced that FC Bayern can play very successful football over the next few years. I’m proud and delighted about extending my contract.”
Jérôme Boateng: “I’m pleased and happy at the chance to extend my stay here, I’m looking forward to the years ahead and aim for continuing great success with FC Bayern. This is a big contract for me and I’m delighted.”
Javi Martinez: “I’m very happy and proud about extending my contract until 2021. We have a magnificent team. Munich is a perfect city for a professional footballer, everyone is very respectful here and it’s all come together.”
Xabi Alonso: “I’m pleased and delighted about extending my contract for one further year. My family and I are very happy in Munich, and that’s the most important thing.”
ALABA RETAINS AUSTRIAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR CROWN
David Alaba has been named Austrian Player of the Year for the fifth time in a row. The 23-year-old retained the title by a large margin. The Player of the Year poll is conducted by news service Austria Presse Agentur (APA) among the ten head coaches in the Austrian Bundesliga. “It's a great honour for me,” commented Alaba, who is currently sidelined. He won the poll ahead of Dinamo Kyiv's Aleksandar Dragovic, Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City) and Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen).
“I'm very pleased. David has earned this accolade. He's an extraordinary footballer. He has everything a world-class player needs: great talent, passion, the ambition to get even better, and lots of experience, which is incredible for his age,” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in praise of the Bayern all-rounder. “David is a worthy 'record Player of the Year' for Austria.”
With five triumphs Alaba is now top of the all-time roll of honour, ahead of four-time winner Ivica Vastic. Alaba won the German championship with FCB and advanced to the semi-finals in the Champions League and the DFB Cup last season. “And David was an essential factor in Austria qualifying for a big tournament after a long absence,” added Rummenigge. Alaba and his team-mates take on Portugal, Iceland and Hungary in their EURO 2016 group.
ITALIAN TASK IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST SIXTEEN
Bayern have been handed a tough but highly attractive first knockout round tie in this season’s Champions League as the 2013 winners and current Bundesliga league leaders were paired with Turin giants Juventus in Monday lunchtime’s draw for the last sixteen. The tie is a re-run of the quarter-final three seasons ago and marks a reunion for Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman, who joined Munich from the Serie A side last summer, and also for former Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic, now on the books in northern Italy.
The draw ceremony was held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland from midday CET on Monday and was conducted by UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti, and former Internazionale star Javier Zanetti as the official ambassador for final venue Milan.
The 16-team line-up featured seven former winners of Europe's elite club competition and nine of last year's knockout contenders, with a total of three teams each from Spain and England, two each from Germany and Italy, and one each from France, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia and Portugal.
As group winners, Bayern play the first leg of the Round of 16 tie away from home at the Juventus Stadium on 23 February, with the return at the Allianz Arena in Munich on 16 March. This year’s final takes place at the San Siro in Milan on Saturday 28 May 2015.
Champions League first knockout round draw in full:
KAA Gent v Wolfsburg
AS Roma v Real Madrid
Paris St Germain v Chelsea
Arsenal v Barcelona
Juventus v Bayern Munich
PSV Eindhoven v Atletico Madrid
Benfica v Zenit St Petersburg
Dynamo Kyiv v Manchester City
FCB MADE TO TOIL BY 'VERY GOOD' INGOLSTADT
Arsenal? Borussia Dortmund? Wolfsburg? No: promoted FC Ingolstadt were the “best team” to visit the Allianz Arena in the first half of the season, according to Pep Guardiola. There was work aplenty for Bayern in Saturday's last home match of the year before Robert Lewandowski (65) scored the opener. Shortly afterwards, Philipp Lahm (75) wrapped up the win and the so-called 'autumn championship' with one of his rare goals. 2-0: Pep Guardiola's troops were relieved.
“There was a real lack of energy for the first time in a long time. We lacked that little something,” explained Philipp Lahm, “the first half is what you get when that happens.” FCI played boldly and courageously with aggressive pressing. Bayern had difficulties with the build-up play from their own half, and sustained passing combinations were stifled from the start. “Ingolstadt did what we usually do,” analysed Manuel Neuer, who kept the scores level with some excellent saves.
Matthias Sammer detected a mental problem: “We were prepared in theory, but in the first half we weren't willing to confront the challenge. We didn't think fast enough. Ingolstadt did very well.” But the sporting director praised the big personalities in the team who “pushed on” and turned the game round: “Manu kept us in the game, the captain netted, and Thomas provided the assist.”
LEWY CHASING AUBAMEYANG
Lewandowski, who missed Bayern's biggest chance before the break, played his part in it too. “My goal was perfectly timed, it was really important,” commented the Pole, “we had some problems, but sometimes you have to stay calm.” The striker now boasts 15 Bundesliga goals this season, 14 of them scored in the second half. Defender Jérôme Boateng supplied the killer pass and now has three assists this season.
All in all, the win for the German record champions was definitely deserved. “The points are crucial,” commented Sammer in the light of FCB’s first defeat of the current Bundesliga campaign last weekend. “It feels good to be at the top over Christmas and the New Year,” added Lahm. It would feel even better to stay in the race for the DFB Cup. To achieve this another promoted team have to be overcome: Bayern take on Darmstadt on Tuesday evening at 20.30 CET.
MESSAGE BOY AND GOALSCORER LAHM
In the aftermath of Saturday’s victory over Ingolstadt, Philipp Lahm was in a light-hearted mood. A queue of reporters asked the Bayern captain the same question over and over again: what was on the handwritten note passed to him by Pep Guardiola? “It said: 'Philipp, score a goal!' And that was it,” laughed Lahm, before turning to the next questioner, and – with obvious delight – giving a different answer.
There can be doubt that the 2-0 success against a courageous FC Ingolstadt put Lahm in a very good mood, despite a poor first half performance “where there was a real lack of energy for the first time in a long time,” the captain said. “We lacked that little something. And the first half is what you get when that happens.”
FCB turned the page after an hour – in a very literal sense. Guardiola jotted down his tactical thoughts and passed them to Lahm in written form, after which the skipper adjusted the on-field formation accordingly. For example, Lahm himself moved from right-back to midfield, where he acted as a distributor and often an auxiliary forward.
14TH GOAL IN 457TH MATCH
What happened in the 75th minute was a first even for the seasoned Lahm. Thomas Müller contrived a lay-off from a scramble in the box, leaving the captain with only one real option: shooting with his left foot. It worked, and the 32-year-old World Cup winner scored in the Bundesliga with his left boot for the first time ever. It was also his first goal since October 2014 when he netted a brace in a 6-1 drubbing of Bremen, and his 14th in 457 competitive appearances for FC Bayern.
Naturally, provider Müller could not resist a spot of friendly jesting. “A lot has to come together at once for him to score,” beamed the Germany striker. “He came close last Wednesday and also had a decent chance before he scored.” The ball finally hit the back of the net a short time later. The fact that Lahm put the chance away with his slightly weaker foot was no surprise at all, the giggling Müller insisted: “You just can’t let him shoot with his left foot when he’s in the box!”
FIFTH 'AUTUMN CHAMPIONSHIP' IN A ROW
FC Bayern wrapped up the 21st so-called 'autumn championship,' the unofficial accolade awarded to the team at the top during the winter break, with the 2-0 victory over Ingolstadt. After 17 of the previous 20 'titles' Bayern have gone on to win the championship shield too. FCB are the first Bundesliga team to achieve this feat five times in a row. Some other stats are just as impressive: after Matchday 16 the Bavarians boast 45 goals – they only had more in the 1976/77 season, a whopping 50 goals. They are on 43 points, a total only bettered by one Bundesliga team after 16 games: the Reds themselves, with 44 points in the 2013/14 season. The 14th consecutive win on home soil is a new record.
COMEBACK FOR THIAGO
After being sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury Thiago made his comeback on Saturday. The midfielder was brought on after 50 minutes in the Bundesliga match against Ingolstadt. The last time he was on the pitch for the Reds dates back to 7 November. Shortly afterwards, on 13 November, he sustained the injury when playing for Spain.
'ART WORKS' EXHIBITION AT THE ALLIANZ ARENA
FC Bayern display art on a regular basis – on the turf. But from now on you can also enjoy art off the pitch at the Allianz Arena. On Saturday FCB board member Andreas Jung and Israeli General Consul Dr Dan Shaham inaugurated an exhibition by Art Works – young Israeli art on world tour. Until the end of February about 200 pictures and 60 sculptures can be found on the fifth floor at the Allianz Arena. Art Works aims to present unique pieces of art throughout the world. Visitors to the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt can visit the exhibition on three public days, 3 January, 24 January and 14 February 2016.
SPECIAL FCB SHIRTS FOR INGOLSTADT CLASH
Manuel Neuer usually puts on his kit shortly before kick-off, but this time the Bayern goalie wore his jersey around 24 hours beforehand. On Friday Neuer presented a special Bayern shirt for Saturday's last home match of the year against FC Ingolstadt. In place of the Telekom emblem the jersey will bear the Sternstunden logo to promote the charity campaign of the same name.
“The jersey fits well with the Bavarian derby,” commented Neuer with regard to Sternstunden, a campaign initiated by state broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk to assist disabled and destitute kids in Bavaria, Germany, and the whole world. Each donation is used in full to support aid programmes. In total €182 million has been raised so far, used to support more than 2,600 projects.
JOINT COMMITMENT
“Telekom believes it’s crucial we fulfil our social responsibility and send out a message,” declared Michael Hagspihl, Telekom Germany director in charge of private customers, and explained why Bayern's main sponsor is waiving the right to shirt advertising: “Our commitment to FC Bayern goes far beyond sponsorship, we see it as a part of the partnership to launch joint activities.”
Neuer is a Sternstunden partner for the ISuS school in Munich, which stands for integration through immediate education and stabilisation. The Bayern keeper visited the school at which young refugees are educated and prepared for life in Germany, and is fascinated: “It's an impressive project.”
FC Bayern have supported the charity campaign for many years, with signed shirts, meet and greet events, training for kids, and with a charity game in 2005. Now, together with Telekom, the German record champions are dedicating their shirts to Sternstunden. A limited number of jerseys will be auctioned and the receipts used to support Sternstunden projects.
‘A TOUGH ONE’ FOR INJURY-HIT FCB
Pep Guardiola has come across as remarkably relaxed in recent weeks, chatting away, smiling a lot, and offering the media occasional glimpses into his deepest thoughts. That was emphatically not the case on Friday. Guardiola took to the rostrum for the routine pre-match press conference and surveyed the room with a look of concern on his face, prompted by the club’s increasingly lengthy injury roster. For the final home Bundesliga fixture of the year against FC Ingolstadt on Saturday (Live in English from 15.30 CET on Twitter and FCB.tv Web Radio), the boss is without no fewer than seven potential candidates for the starting line-up.
Mario Götze, David Alaba, Juan Bernat and Douglas Costa all rate as long-term absentees, while Arjen Robben is still struggling to shake off a sprain. Adding to the misery, Franck Ribéry and Mehdi Benatia picked up injuries in the midweek Champions League meeting with Zagreb and will not play again until the New Year. “We’ve lost two more important players,” Guardiola stated.
But it is not the Bayern way to indulge in hand-wringing, as the Reds still aim to win all three remaining fixtures prior to Christmas. The league leaders go into Saturday’s Bavarian derby with Ingolstadt as clear favourites, and following last week’s first Bundesliga defeat of the campaign in Gladbach, the men from Munich are more determined than ever to set off on a new winning streak. Should they succeed on Saturday, they would claim the ‘autumn championship’ for the fifth time in a row – the unofficial title is bestowed upon the team top of the table at the midpoint of the season.
FCI’S MEAN DEFENCE
“We’ll build on our strength at home,” said Thomas Müller: FCB have won all 11 matches at the Allianz Arena so far this term. Guardiola refuses to allow the injury situation and the limited regeneration time since the Zagreb trip to be used as excuses. “It depends entirely on us and how focused we are,” he declared. However, Ingolstadt will be anything but a pushover.
The team coached by Ralph Hasenhüttl, who Guardiola has never personally met, are especially strong in defence and have conceded the second fewest goals in the league after Bayern. “But they don’t just pull everyone back, they press high up the field,” the FCB boss noted. Ingolstadt, currently in 11th place on 20 points, have been remarkably consistent for a club contesting their first top flight campaign: “Normally, promoted teams are dangerous at the start of a season but then fade a little,” Guardiola remarked.
“It’ll be a tough one,” agreed Müller, “they’d succeed in any league due to the way they play.” Captain Philipp Lahm feels FCI’s solid mid-table placing is “absolutely deserved,” and Manuel Neuer noted that Hasenhüttl’s men have “upset a few other teams so far.” Bayern know they will have their work cut out, and the long injury list doesn’t make the task any easier.
PRE-MATCH NEWS FROM INGOLSTADT
Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl: “A defeat would be the most normal thing in the world. We’re the promoted club and the rank underdogs. But we’re in no mood to hand out gifts and we’ll give as good an account of ourselves as possible. We have plenty of respect, but we’re not afraid.”
Doubtful: Benjamin Hübner, Moritz Hartmann
Unavailable: Alfredo Morales, Konstantin Engel, Danilo Soares, Markus Suttner
‘A TOUGH ONE’ FOR INJURY-HIT FCB
Pep Guardiola has come across as remarkably relaxed in recent weeks, chatting away, smiling a lot, and offering the media occasional glimpses into his deepest thoughts. That was emphatically not the case on Friday. Guardiola took to the rostrum for the routine pre-match press conference and surveyed the room with a look of concern on his face, prompted by the club’s increasingly lengthy injury roster. For the final home Bundesliga fixture of the year against FC Ingolstadt on Saturday (Live in English from 15.30 CET on Twitter and FCB.tv Web Radio), the boss is without no fewer than seven potential candidates for the starting line-up.
Mario Götze, David Alaba, Juan Bernat and Douglas Costa all rate as long-term absentees, while Arjen Robben is still struggling to shake off a sprain. Adding to the misery, Franck Ribéry and Mehdi Benatia picked up injuries in the midweek Champions League meeting with Zagreb and will not play again until the New Year. “We’ve lost two more important players,” Guardiola stated.
But it is not the Bayern way to indulge in hand-wringing, as the Reds still aim to win all three remaining fixtures prior to Christmas. The league leaders go into Saturday’s Bavarian derby with Ingolstadt as clear favourites, and following last week’s first Bundesliga defeat of the campaign in Gladbach, the men from Munich are more determined than ever to set off on a new winning streak. Should they succeed on Saturday, they would claim the ‘autumn championship’ for the fifth time in a row – the unofficial title is bestowed upon the team top of the table at the midpoint of the season.
FCI’S MEAN DEFENCE
“We’ll build on our strength at home,” said Thomas Müller: FCB have won all 11 matches at the Allianz Arena so far this term. Guardiola refuses to allow the injury situation and the limited regeneration time since the Zagreb trip to be used as excuses. “It depends entirely on us and how focused we are,” he declared. However, Ingolstadt will be anything but a pushover.
The team coached by Ralph Hasenhüttl, who Guardiola has never personally met, are especially strong in defence and have conceded the second fewest goals in the league after Bayern. “But they don’t just pull everyone back, they press high up the field,” the FCB boss noted. Ingolstadt, currently in 11th place on 20 points, have been remarkably consistent for a club contesting their first top flight campaign: “Normally, promoted teams are dangerous at the start of a season but then fade a little,” Guardiola remarked.
“It’ll be a tough one,” agreed Müller, “they’d succeed in any league due to the way they play.” Captain Philipp Lahm feels FCI’s solid mid-table placing is “absolutely deserved,” and Manuel Neuer noted that Hasenhüttl’s men have “upset a few other teams so far.” Bayern know they will have their work cut out, and the long injury list doesn’t make the task any easier.
PRE-MATCH NEWS FROM INGOLSTADT
Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl: “A defeat would be the most normal thing in the world. We’re the promoted club and the rank underdogs. But we’re in no mood to hand out gifts and we’ll give as good an account of ourselves as possible. We have plenty of respect, but we’re not afraid.”
Doubtful: Benjamin Hübner, Moritz Hartmann
Unavailable: Alfredo Morales, Konstantin Engel, Danilo Soares, Markus Suttner
BENATIA AND RIBÉRY SIDELINED
Bayern players Mehdi Benatia (28) and Franck Ribéry (32) were both substituted due to injury in the UEFA Champions League group stage fixture in Zagreb last Wednesday. Following thorough medical examinations, chief medical officer Dr Volker Braun has diagnosed both players with strained muscles.
Both Mehdi Benatia and Franck Ribéry are sidelined for the time being and unavailable for selection for the remaining three matches prior to the winter break (at home to Ingolstadt, at home to Darmstadt in the DFB Cup, and away to Hannover).
Bayern 'absolutely happy' with Zagreb trip
Once his work was done for the day, Pep Guardiola dispersed a kiss or two, one for the official interpreter, and one for the Dinamo Zagreb media director. At the post-match banquet in the team hotel half an hour later, the Spaniard took his seat with a grin and raised a glass of white wine to the FCB directors and club president Karl Hopfner. Guardiola has rarely been as relaxed after a Champions League encounter as in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory in the Croatian metropolis – and there were several sound reasons for his contented state.
First, his team set yet another new record with the club’s best-ever performance in the Champions League group stages: FCB topped Group F on 15 points with 19 goal scored and only three conceded. Second, Guardiola passed two personal milestones on the night: his 50th Champions League victory as a coach, achieved more quickly than any man before him, and his 100th competitive victory with FC Bayern in 132 matches.
In his speech to the traditional post-match banquet shortly before midnight, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described the achievements as “excellent numbers” and “worthy of praise.” The 240 guests in the Emerald Ballroom at the Zagreb Esplanade Hotel applauded warmly. The luxury hotel is steeped in tradition and once provided overnight accommodation for passengers on the Orient Express, but now served as a stop-off for FC Bayern as they pursue “big targets,” Rummenigge said. “I hope we’ll have more wonderful trips in the Champions League next year.”
'Step by step'
However, Rummenigge also advised all present to take things “step by step, and not allow ourselves to be forced into the role of overwhelming favourites. You have to approach the Champions League with a healthy dose of humility.” The men from Munich were reminded of the truth in that statement on a cold and damp night at Zagreb’s Maksimir Stadium, where they met awkward and highly motivated opponents.“It was a very tough match,” said Robert Lewandowski, who wrapped things up with a brace within three minutes (61, 64) after the break. “You have to be patient sometimes,” added the Pole. “We turned in a decent display and we're absolutely happy,” commented Thomas Müller, who struck a penalty against the post shortly before the final whistle (88). “I achieved what I wanted, sending the keeper the wrong way, but then I opened my stance too far.”
Ulreich between the sticks
The match stats reflect FCB’s dominance in Zagreb, as the visitors had 73 percent of the possession, 25 to 13 shots on goal, and put over 23 crosses to Dinamo’s eight. But in the first half in particular Champions League debutant Sven Ulreich had to make a string of fine saves to keep the scores level. “I'm glad I was able to show I'm there if needed,” the backup keeper commented.But the German record champions did not want to spend too long reflecting on the match, turning their focus instead to the upcoming challenges before the winter break. “We're in for three games in eight days now. It's another crucial phase for us. We have to give everything we still have left,” warned Lewandowski. Guardiola paid his team “a huge compliment for this incredible group stage. Now our focus is on the last three matches.” But first the FCB head coach enjoyed the evening, maintaining an animated conversation with the board until the early hours.
Dinamo vs Bayern: The factfile
Regardless of the scoreline in Wednesday's encounter between the German record champions and their Croatian counterparts (Live in English from 20.45 CET on Twitter and fcbayern.de Web Radio), the result has no influence on the standings in Group F. FCB have won the group, and fourth-placed Dinamo have no chance of remaining in the race. The Munich men are through to the last sixteen as table-toppers for the sixth time in a row, whereas Dinamo have never made the Champions League knock-out rounds.
No Dinamo win against German teams
Dinamo's yield against German clubs in European competition is poor. The Croatians have lost nine of eleven meetings, drawing twice and winning none. They have lost all of their last five matches, including the first match at the Allianz Arena, a clear-cut 5-0 victory for Bayern in September. It was the second-highest CL defeat for Zagreb, topped only by a 7-1 reverse against Olympique Lyon in 2011.Scoring machine FCB
FC Bayern have scored 17 goals in five matches, their highest yield so far. Only Manchester United, netting 19 times in the 1998/99 season, and Real Madrid (18 goals, 2013/14) scored more often in five matches. Both went on to win the Champions League. The Croatians want to put an end to their struggle for goals on Wednesday, as they have only scored in one of their last four matches in Europe's elite club competition.Milestone for FCB in Zagreb
The German record champions have had problems in recent away matches in Europe, as their only win in their last six fixtures on foreign soil was against Olympiacos earlier in the current campaign. The other matches produced four defeats and a draw. But the Reds want to take three points in their milestone match: it is their 100th away fixture in the Champions League.Swede to referee
Martin Strömbergsson has been appointed as referee for the group match in Zagreb. It is the first time the 38-year-old Swede takes charge of a match involving the Reds in European competition.“Pep, the team, and FC Bayern – a partnership that couldn’t be better”
FC Bayern Munich are in great form this season with the best start in Bundesliga history, and the consistency and level of performance are the result of Pep Guardiola’s consistent work. You can clearly see that the team has developed even further. A good coach has his ideas and visions, but they only work when they’re implemented by the team. And that’s the case with Pep, the team, and FC Bayern – a partnership that couldn’t be better.
As the new season has progressed, you can tell how the new players integrate into the team, and while FC Bayern’s newest signings blend in well, they also greatly enrich the team. They’re all world-class players and do FC Bayern much good. With them, the team now has many more possibilities than before. Ribery was injured for some time, but his absence was compensated, and the same with Robben. Before, these absences from players like Robben and Ribery would have weakened the team – today, with the new signings, that’s different. The team now has more flexibility, which is crucial looking ahead towards the second half of the season with all the competitions to consider.
Pep Guardiola has brought invaluable insight and wisdom to the team, and it’s my hope that he stays at Bayern. The collaboration between him and the club over the last three years has been very productive. There’s always room for improvement, and from my perspective, the end has not yet been reached, the mission not yet accomplished – that would be the treble.
FESTIVE CHEER FOR THE FCB FAMILY
FC Bayern looked back on a “successful and fantastic year” at a cosy and relaxed Christmas party on the second Sunday in Advent. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reviewed the year in his address.
The board, members’ club committee, coaching staff and the players with their families gathered in star chef Alfons Schuhbeck's 'Spiegelzelt.' The 'Tölzer Knabenchor' boys' choir put the Bavarians in a Christmas mood. The Bayern family applauded an array of artists for excellent performances and enjoyed a meal of king prawns, duck breast and gingerbread ice cream.
Captain Philipp Lahm thanked all his team-mates and the staff for the past few months. Rummenigge said he was confident the team will cope with the upcoming challenges before Christmas and remain in the race for all three trophies. After that it will be important to take time out and recover, according to Rummenigge, and to “build up strength” to win trophies next year.
FCB AIM TO ‘DRAW THE RIGHT CONCLUSIONS’
At the end of last week, Thomas Müller clearly had a premonition. “The longer a streak continues, the higher the likelihood it’ll end at some point,” the FC Bayern striker mused in the build-up to the top of the table Bundesliga clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Müller was of course referring to the Foals’ nine-game unbeaten run prior to the weekend fixture, but events proved his hunch to be fundamentally correct, albeit in relation to his own club: Bayern’s run of 14 matches without defeat came to a halt in a 3-1 defeat to Gladbach.
“Obviously, we’re not exactly pleased,” Müller stated after the unexpected setback in front of a 54,010 full house at Borussia Park. The goal-getter made no secret of his disappointment at the Reds’ first league defeat of term: “It was neither planned nor desired, and we’re not about to travel home feeling satisfied. It nags away at you, especially the way it came about.” It was also Bayern’s first reverse in the first half of a Bundesliga campaign in more than three years: the Reds last lost before the winter break in October 2012, 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen.
RIBÉRY STRIKES BUT TOO LATE
The FCB camp was mainly concerned about the manner of the defeat. In a top-quality contest featuring two teams on excellent form, the visitors neglected to capitalise on their overwhelming first-half superiority. “We failed to take our chances and score goals before half-time,” confirmed captain Philipp Lahm. Pep Guardiola’s men fashioned half a dozen clear-cut openings but either narrowly missed or were denied by a stellar performance from home keeper Yann Sommer. “We lacked a little bit of luck,” said Müller.
“We were good in the first half,” agreed Guardiola, but he watched in dismay as his team conceded Oscar Wendt’s 54th-minute opener and proceeded to lose their shape for a spell. “We had severe problems and lost our stability and control,” Guardiola explained. Lars Stindl (66) and Fabian Johnson (68) made it 3-0 to Gladbach with a double whammy not long afterwards. Substitute Franck Ribéry marked his comeback from a nine-month lay-off with an 81st-minute strike, but it was too late and rated as a mere consolation.
LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
“We’re no longer used to falling behind,” suggested Lahm, expressing frustration with the period between the 64th and 68th minutes, in which Manuel Neuer made a superb save to prevent Julian Korb scoring another goal for the Foals. “We had five very, very poor minutes. We have to analyse this. We’ve thrown the game away in the space of five minutes,” the captain continued. “We never said we were unbeatable. We wanted to keep our run going for as long as possible, but it’s ended today.”
“The defeat isn’t a good thing. We have to draw the right conclusions from it,” commented sporting director Matthias Sammer, although he was not unduly downcast: “It’s not a defeat that’ll knock us off course.” In any case, Bayern have little time to lick their wounds. Following Sunday’s regenerative training drills, the coaches and players will be back on Monday to commence preparations for the final Champions League group fixture away to Dinamo Zagreb. “We need to quickly forget today and focus on the next match,” Ribéry concluded.
GUARDIOLA: PLENTY OF CHANCES, NO GOALS
“It's our own fault,” a self-critical Franck Ribéry concluded after Bayern’s first Bundesliga defeat of the season. “After the first half we have to be 2-0 or 3-0 in the lead,” the Frenchman said after the 3-1 defeat in Gladbach. Pep Guardiola agreed, finding fault with his team’s passing game: “We mustn't neglect the core of our play, as we’ve seen in this match.”
REACTION TO GLADBACH V BAYERN
Pep Guardiola: “Congratulations to Borussia. We were very strong in the first half and created plenty of chances, but scored no goals. After the break it was very complicated, we lost possession too often. You can always concede a goal, but after that we lost our discipline. That wasn't good, we let them get at us on the break, and that was the reason we lost. We mustn't neglect the core of our play, as we’ve seen in this match.”
Franck Ribéry: “It's our own fault. After the first half we have to be 2-0 or 3-0 in the lead. But Gladbach did well and took all their chances. It's a pity. We have to keep going.”
André Schubert (Gladbach coach): “A huge compliment to my team. In the first half we had some problems and we enjoyed the bit of luck you need to not fall behind. After the break the lads did very well. After the opener we were even more confident, and we went on to wrap it up.”
RIBERY NETS BUT REDS RUE MISSED CHANCES
Late sub Franck Ribery marked his comeback from a nine-month lay-off with a goal on Saturday, but it was not enough to prevent Bayern falling to a first Bundesliga defeat of the 2015/16 campaign as longstanding rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach struck three times in a whirlwind second-half spell.
The 54,010 capacity crowd at Borussia Park saw a fluid, high-quality contest, in which Pep Guardiola’s men applied relentless pressure for long spells but initially failed to turn their superiority into goals, Kingsley Coman cracking a shot against the post midway through the first half.
The Reds were punished for their profligacy nine minutes after the restart when Oscar Wendt put the home side a goal up, before Lars Stindl and USA international Fabian Johnson made it three with a double whammy midway through the second period. Sub Ribery pulled one one back nine minutes from the end but it proved too little, too late for the league leaders.
The result means the Reds remain top of the standings on 40 points from 15 games, although Borussia Dortmund can cut the lead to five points on Sunday if they beat Wolfsburg, with Gladbach themselves now up to third. The Bavarians are back in action on Wednesday in the final Champions League Group F fixture away to Dinamo Zagreb, before the home Bundesliga meeting with Ingolstadt next Saturday afternoon.
FCB UNCHANGED
For the first time in 99 matches, Bayern coach Guardiola sent out an unchanged team compared to the previous match, last weekend’s 2-0 home win over Hertha Berlin.
That was both a mark of trust from the Spaniard, but also a reflection of the current injury roster, as Mario Götze, Juan Bernat, Thiago, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa and David Alaba are all sidelined with injury. There was heartening news from the bench, however, where Ribery returned to the matchday squad for the first time in nine months.
The leaders began with Manual Neuer in goal, Rafinha, Jerome Boateng, Mehdi Benatia and captain Philipp Lahm in defence, Xabi Alonso, Javi Martinez and Arturo Vidal in midfield, and Coman, Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski in attack.
COMAN AGAINST THE POST
After referee Felix Zwayer whistled play underway on an overcast afternoon in the Lower Rhine, an absorbing tactical battle unfolded with both teams pressing high up the field and seeking to use the full width of the pitch. The home team’s Raffael warmed Neuer’s gloves with just a couple of minutes played, before Martinez headed FCB’s first chance onto the roof of the net and Alonso’s drive skidded wide of the target.
The men in red tightened their grip after quarter of an hour and began creating chances at will. Rafinha’s shot was deflected just inches too high, home keeper Jan Sommer saved in quick succession from Lewandowski and Müller, Coman’s effort was scrambled away for a corner, and Benatia failed to get power on a close-range header.
A goal seemed only a matter of time and should really have materialised on 25 minutes in a frantic scramble in front of Sommer, but the keeper blocked Martinez' effort from six yards and Coman blasted the follow-up against the post. The Munich storm temporarily blew itself out and Stindl headed over Neuer’s crossbar in a rare Gladbach foray on the half-hour, with the home side now keeping their opponents at bay through to the interval.
FOALS AT THE GALLOP
After a cagey start to the second half Vidal sought to pick up the pace with a shot on the turn, but instead it was Borussia who snatched a 54th-minute lead when Raffael set up Wendt ten yards from goal, the Swede picking his spot and leaving Neuer no chance with a stroked finish.
Bayern battered away at Borussia’s packed defence now but gaps were unforthcoming and the Reds were occasionally exposed on the break, Neuer reacting brilliantly to turn Julian Korb’s shot from point-blank range onto the bar and away to safety. But even the world’s best keeper was powerless to prevent Gladbach’s double strike in the 66th and 68th minutes, Nico Elvedi first setting up Stindl to volley his side’s second, and Johnson scampering clear on the break before sliding home the third.
With Sebastian Rode on for Alonso, FCB sought a way back but Sommer saved Lewandowski’s shot, with Ribery replacing the Pole for the last 15 minutes. The Frenchman twisted and turned but was crowded out with Coman curling a shot wide, but Ribery made his mark nine minutes from time with a cool finish to make it 3-1 after fine work by Müller and Vidal. Munich launched a late onslaught but the Foals resisted doggedly and Bayern’s first league defeat of term could no longer be averted.
Live match report for fcbayern.de by Chris Hamley
RIBÉRY IN SQUAD FOR BIG GAME AT GLADBACH
Pep Guardiola spent Thursday and Friday working with his men behind closed doors, and although the boss spoke openly about his likely team selection on the eve of FC Bayern’s trip to face fourth-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday (Live in English from 15.30 CET on Twitter and FCB.tv Web Radio), he declined to reveal details of his tactical thinking. What is certain is that the league leaders will go all-out for victory despite the absence of six key players with injury (Alaba, Robben, Costa, Thiago, Bernat, Götze). “Both teams want to attack and play football. I’m sure it’ll be a great game,” Guardiola said.
The Spaniard could barely contain his enthusiasm prior to the clash between the Bundesliga’s two form teams: “If the folk in Germany are bored or have nothing else to do, I recommend they watch the game on TV.” Gladbach, Guardiola said, are “one of the best teams, not just this year, but in the history of the Bundesliga. I like this team, I like the way they play.”
TOP AT CHRISTMAS?
Naturally, the Bayern coach is even more fond of his own team, who have dropped just two points in 14 Bundesliga fixtures this term. Gladbach are unbeaten in nine, but if FCB can stop that streak and take the three points, they would be crowned ‘Autumn champions’, the unofficial title awarded to the team in first place at the midpoint of the season, for the fifth time in a row. On Friday, Guardiola emphasised “just how tough it is to produce a top-level performance every three days. We have to fight in every match.”
Fighting has been a familiar daily challenge for Franck Ribéry over the last nine months, but he has finally recovered from a persistent ankle injury. “It’s great news for us,” said Guardiola after the French wizard resumed team training. Ribéry played a full part in Friday afternoon’s final workout prior to the weekend match, prompting Guardiola to add him to the travelling party.
Franck’s return is certainly a real boost, especially with the current lack of attacking options: Guardiola basically has no real alternatives to Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman at the moment. “We’re missing some important players and it’s a shame,” said the coach, “we need these players for the battles with the biggest teams. I hope they all return fit and healthy after the winter break for the most important part of the season.” For now, the fit members of the squad have a job to do in Mönchengladbach - with Ribéry’s help and support.
PRE-MATCH NEWS FROM BORUSSIA M'GLADBACH
Coach André Schubert: “We know we’re playing probably the best team in the world right now on Saturday. For us to worry Bayern, we’ll need a very good day and total focus on our game plan from start to finish. We’ll have to go to the absolute limit technically, tactically and physically if we’re to resist them."
Unavailable: Ibrahima Traoré, Patrick Herrmann, André Hahn, Alvaro Dominguez, Martin Stranzl and Nico Schulz.
ROBBEN, COSTA AND ALABA OUT OF GLADBACH TRIP
FC Bayern are battling with a lengthening injury roster in the run-in to the Bundesliga’s winter break. In a repeat of the situation for last weekend’s meeting with Hertha Berlin, boss Pep Guardiola will again be without top trio Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa and David Alaba for the big match away to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, with Thiago and Juan Bernat also not yet match fit. Mario Götze (groin) is the sixth regular unavailable on Matchday 15.
Robben (persistent calf problems), Thiago and Bernat could resume the team training programme next week, but Alaba is facing a longer spell on the sidelines: the ankle injury sustained by the Austrian utility man away to Schalke has proved more serious than originally thought. “He won’t play again before the winter break,” Guardiola announced. “I hope he’ll be able to train with us at the start of the New Year.”
Costa will also miss the upcoming games against Gladbach, Dinamo Zagreb, Darmstadt and Ingolstadt. The Brazilian is struggling to shake off a thigh sprain. Guardiola said it was “possible” the winger could be fit again in time for the last match of the year away to Hannover, but the coach is keen to take “no risks” in the light of the current crop of injuries. “What matters is that they’re all 100 percent fit after the winter break.”
