The mood came close to enthusiastic on Bayern Munich’s training ground on Monday afternoon as the news of a curious redraw of the Champions League last-16 spread in no time after an embarrassing “technical problem” by Uefa.
While head coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the Bavarian opponent Atletico around noon in a video-press-conference, things turned to RB Salzburg in a second draw when the 34-year-old gathered his squad for a training session.
Bayern’s good mood wasn’t in the first place triggered by their new opponent’s lower reputation but by the surprise, a redraw was necessary at all.
“Who would have thought of something like that,” striker Thomas Muller said with a wink.
“That’s a short trip now,” the forward said referring to an only two hours and 20 minutes drive.
Salzburg only at first glance seems a competitor to be happy about. The Austrians’ aggressive style might turn into a challenge for the Munich side.
“We have to find solutions against their high pressing actions,” Nagelsmann commented.
Despite last season’s 9-3 in aggregate after two group encounters, Bayern’s difficulties against teams counting on fast counterattacks came to light.
In the perspective of former French international and former Bayern player Bixente Lizarazu, that again could turn into a problem for the Bavarians.
The 52-year-old called Bayern one of this Champions League’s favorites next to Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, but mentioned significant changes in the Bavarian defense.
“(Jerome) Boateng and (David) Alaba left,” he said, adding that “it takes up to a year for fine-tuning in the back.”
Nagelsmann called Bayern the last remaining flagship representing German football in the Champions League.
“Certain rules in German football force the Bundesliga to find smart solution compared to some foreign clubs that can count on better-equipped TV contracts,” he said.
The Bayern coach referred to the 50 plus one rule demanding from clubs to hold the majority of shares. Foreign investors are only allowed to own 49.9 percent of a club, other than in many other European leagues the rules restrict investments.
“German football might have to find ways to improve its scouting of talents to be able to close the gap we talk about,” Nagelsmann added. “We need to find other ways to stay competitive.”
The Bayern coach praised the statements of midfielder Joshua Kimmich as the 26-year-old admitted it was a mistake to reject to get vaccinated.
“It would have been a good idea to have done it. Over the last weeks I got aware it’s not entirely in my hands to be safe despite all safety measures I followed,” the midfielder said in a recent TV interview.
Kimmich, who was tested positive end of November and had to attend quarantine, announced to suffer from light lung infiltrations, and Nagelsmann confirmed that regular training isn’t possible for the German international who has to stick to recovery training in minor doses.