The Bayern world is back in order - also for boss Oliver Kahn. "We have made no secret of the fact that it is always our aim to be the leader of the table. Now we are at least for a few hours," said the CEO of the soccer series champion after the powerful 6: 2 (3: 1) against the FSV Mainz 05.
The Munich star ensemble, which is currently rushing from victory to victory, greets the Bundesliga again from the top. With 25 points, Bayern overtook Union Berlin (23) in the table. The Irons can counter the attack again on Sunday against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Insignificant, noted national player Leon Goretzka, because the trend in the game's final sprint before the long World Cup break is absolutely correct. "That was our big goal for the whole English week, that we get into a flow," said Goretzka. The Munich success machine is running again.
FCB with winning team from Barcelona
Coach Julian Nagelsmann relied on the winning eleven of the strong 3-0 win at FC Barcelona without the injured leaders Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller and was spot on. The playful Serge Gnabry (5th minute), Jamal Musiala (28th) and Sadio Mané (43rd), who converted a penalty in the margin, decided the game early on. After the break, Leon Goretzka (58'), substitute Mathys Tel (79') and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (86') completed the six-pack of goals in front of 75,000 spectators in the Allianz Arena. The center forward had no luck with the shot until the happy ending, before that he hit the post (54th).
"A big compliment for what the team is tearing off," commented a very satisfied Nagelsmann. The 35-year-old could easily see the blemishes of the two goals conceded by Mainz captain Silvan Widmer (45.4) and substitute Marcus Ingvartsen after a mistake by Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich (82.). Ulreich had saved a penalty from Jonathan Burkardt in stoppage time in the first half. Referee Benjamin Cortus awarded both penalties based on video evidence. In the first, Mané was fouled by Alexander Hack from Mainz. In the second, Ulreich hit FSV attacker Burkardt with his hand on the head while trying to clear a corner kick.
Gnabry praises "good energy on the pitch"
In their sixth competitive win in a row, Bayern demonstrated their rediscovered greed for goals and success in everyday league life. Switching from the big Champions League stage in Barcelona worked perfectly, with the exception of a few idle phases. The top start was helpful: National player Gnabry scored early after playing with Mané and documented his improvement in form in front of the eyes of national coach Hansi Flick in time for the upcoming World Cup. "It's good energy we have on the pitch," said Gnabry.
The goals were shared between six players, which not only Kahn rated as a seal of quality. "That says that we are difficult to predict." The dominant Bavarians also needed a bit of double luck when Burkardt and Jae-Sung Lee hit the crossbar and the post one after the other in a Mainz attack. "Our offensive plan worked to some extent," said Martin Schmidt. The Mainz sports director spoke overall of "a clear smack".
Nagelsmann was able to rest a few frequent players early on with regard to the tight Bayern program until the World Cup. Already at the break he took out the defensive chief Matthijs de Ligt, who was suffering from a muscular condition. Nagelsmann spoke of a precautionary measure. Bayern will continue against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday – possibly still as the Bundesliga leaders.
