Sunday, October 2, 2016
Bayern 1-1 Koln: Ancelotti's men drop first Bundesliga points
The hosts went ahead in the first half through Joshua Kimmich's header but were denied all three points as the visitors levelled after the break to end their perfect start
Bayern Munich dropped their first Bundesliga points of the season as Anthony Modeste's second-half equaliser gave Koln a shock 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had suffered defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last time out and failed to get back on track despite Joshua Kimmich heading his fifth goal of the season in the first half.
Koln came into the game sitting fourth after an impressive start to the campaign and Modesete scored in acrobatic fashion on 63 minutes shortly after Javi Martinez had hit the post for Bayern, who made seven changes after their midweek defeat.
Substitute Thomas Muller thought he had rescued the points for Bayern, but a brilliant save from Timo Horn, as well as Juan Bernat striking against the post, ensured the visitors claimed a point.
Bayern – who had scored four on each of Koln's last two trips to Munich – stay top, but title rivals Borussia Dortmund can move to within one point if they defeat Bayer Leverkusen later on Saturday.
Arjen Robben was handed his first start of the season and made a lively start, firing just off-target with two efforts from outside the area.
Rafinha also threatened, driving a shot just over the crossbar, while Mats Hummels should have done better with a close-range header from Robben's corner.
Koln ventured forward when Yuya Osako tested Manuel Neuer from distance in the match's first shot on target and Robert Lewandowski could only fire a free-kick from 20 yards against the wall at the other end.
But just as it looked like Bayern would go into the half-time interval frustrated, the in-form Kimmich struck.
Bernat impressively evaded the challenge of Marcel Risse down the left and sent an inviting delivery that Kimmich converted with an accurate diving header from inside the six-yard box.
Thomas Muller replaced Robben for the second half, which started with Renato Sanches forcing Horn into a low stop.
Modeste had a penalty claim turned down as he was challenged by Mats Hummels in attempting to get on the end of Jonas Hector's cross, while Osako headed wide in another chance for the visitors.
Bayern could have made sure of the result, only for Muller to fire wide and Lewandowski to head over in decent chances created by Bernat and Kingsley Coman respectively.
Ancelotti's side went even closer when Martinez saw his header bounce off the foot of the post from Xabi Alonso's corner.
Those misses became more significant when Modeste netted his fifth Bundesliga goal of the campaign, stretching impressively to prod in a clever right-footed finish that caught out Neuer as the striker got on the end of Riise's right-wing cross.
Ancelotti brought on David Alaba and Arturo Vidal for Coman and Sanches in an attempt to find a late winner, but Bayern had their hearts in their mouths when Osako appeared to have scored, only to be flagged offside from Salih Ozcan's throughball.
Muller thought he had fired Bayern to victory, but looked on in disbelief when Horn somehow got down to push his volley onto the woodwork.
Lewandowski – on his 200th Bundesliga appearance – saw a penalty claim denied after going down under Frederik Sorensen's challenge, while Bernat sent a late drive against the post.
Amazingly, Koln could have won it when substitute Simon Zoller raced clear in stoppage-time to cap a fast counter-attack, but he missed the target when one-on-one with Neuer. Still, the visitors greeted the final whistle with joyous celebrations.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Lahm: Bayern have plenty of work to do
A defeat midweek to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League was followed by a draw in the Allianz Arena, and the captain warned they must keep up their intensity
Philipp Lahm claims Bayern Munich are not yet close to where they want to be under Carlo Ancelotti, after their five-game Bundesliga winning streak was halted by Cologne.
Bayern, who were beaten by Atletico Madrid in midweek, took the lead just prior to the interval at the Allianz Arena, in-form Joshua Kimmich turning home a close-range header only for Anthony Modeste's acrobatic effort to earn a point for fourth-placed Cologone.
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And although Bayern's fast start under Ancelotti has seen them move clear at the top of the Bundesliga, Lahm – an unused substitute on Saturday – believes the side are still some way off hitting the standards their manager demands.
"We still have much work to do," he said. "Offensively as well as defensively we have to work. We see that we are not yet where we want to go.
"We need to get there. In recent years we have succeeded. We have now lost a game and drawn today.
"It is quite normal that we do not always go with the same technique and that has come because there are new coaches here.
"Of course we are disappointed, we wanted to win. It has always distinguished us that we do not drop points, especially not at home.
"Nevertheless, we are set [at the top]. Now there are very important matches after the break and we have to improve."
Schwarzenegger attends Bayern match
Die Roten were the second European club visited by the actor in the space of a week, soaking in the atmosphere of the Allianz Arena on Saturday
EXTRA TIME
Arnold Schwarzenegger was welcomed by Bayern Munich as a guest for their Bundesliga clash against Koln on Saturday.
The Hollywood star and former governer of California was in the stands at the Allianz Arena as Carlo Ancelotti men took on their opponents.
Thanks for the support, @Schwarzenegger!#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/8uhE9uUL8A
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) October 1, 2016
Bayern are the second club Schwarzenegger has visited in his tour of Europe, given he was welcomed by Barcelona earlier this week.
Robben injury nothing serious, says Ancelotti
The Netherlands international was replaced at half-time on Saturday prompting fears he is set for another spell on the sidelines but his coach has played down such fears
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted the injury suffered by Arjen Robben during Bayern Munich's draw with Cologne is nothing serious.
Bayern Munich held by Koln
The 32-year-old was making his first start of the season in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena, but had to be replaced by Thomas Muller at half-time.
That sparked fears Robben could be facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines having only recently returned from two months out with a groin injury.
But Bayern reported "slightly bruised ribs" after the match and boss Ancelotti is not overly concerned by the injury's seriousness.
"He was in pain and could not go on, but it is nothing serious," Ancelotti told the club's website.
Cologne's draw meant Bayern dropped points for the first time in the Bundesliga this season in a week that has also seen them lose to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Ancelotti was disappointed but not particularly worried by the result, which came after Anthony Modeste cancelled out Joshua Kimmich's opener.
"We are allowed to be disappointed, but we need not worry," he said.
"We could have won the game, but Cologne had chances to take all three points home as well.
"We started well and had control, but Cologne improved in the second half."
Bayern hit the post twice in the match, through Javi Martinez and Juan Bernat.
Friday, September 30, 2016
I liked everything against Bayern – Simeone proud of 'one of the best' Atletico wins
Los Rojiblancos proved clearly superior to their visitors in the Champions League, prompting their coach to heap praises on their performance
Diego Simeone revelled in Atletico Madrid's Champions Leage win over Bayern Munich, describing it as one of the club's best under his charge.
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A first-half goal from Yannick Ferreira Carrasco saw Atletico to a 1-0 victory against the Bundesliga giants on Wednesday.
He may have led Atletico to a La Liga title and two Champions League finals, but Simeone was particularly proud of their latest win.
"I feel lucky to be manager of this club. It is a club with passion and a promise to play every game as we want. Today I liked everything," he said to Uefa.com.
"We pressed them well, when we sat back and set up for the counter we did it well. When we had to suffer we did.
"We were intense for the 90 minutes against a very hard side and it is one of the best achievements since I've been here at Atletico Madrid."
Carrasco scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes before half-time, his shot hitting the inside of the post and going in.
Simeone, who saw Antoine Griezmann miss a late penalty, lauded his defence, particularly centre-backs Diego Godin and Stefan Savic.
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"The teamwork today was brilliant. Such intelligence, intensity, winning the ball back and counter-attacking," he said.
"Savic and Godin were brilliant. We have four brilliant centre-backs who I think are the best in the world."
Atletico are top of Group D with six points after their win, sitting three clear of Bayern.
Robben to start against Cologne, suggests Ancelotti
The Dutchman has struggled for game time due to injury but his coach hinted he could field him this weekend as Bayern Munich look to bounce back from Champions League defeat
Carlo Ancelotti has suggested Arjen Robben could start for Bayern Munich in Saturday's Bundesliga encounter versus Cologne, as he looks to rest some key figures.
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The Netherlands international recently made his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but has yet to make his way into the starting XI again after his groin injury.
Nevertheless, Robben could get the nod against Cologne as Bayern look to make it six wins from as many Bundesliga outings.
Ancelotti is looking to refresh his side after his first defeat as die Roten boss against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and stated Robben could be one of the players to come in.
"I think it is important to rotate some players on Saturday," Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference. "Robben could feature from the start. Arjen's situation has improved.
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"[Franck] Ribery had some problems, but he will be ready. I am not a doctor, but I think he was just a bit tired.
"Cologne are a good team and are still unbeaten. They have some very quick players. It will be a difficult game, also because we played in midweek. That's why I will rotate."
Robben's contract with Bayern is due to expire at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, but Ancelotti is confident the Dutch winger will sign a renewal.
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"Robben is an important player and has always been important for Bayern," the Italian said.
"I don't think there will be any problems if he wants to stay. It's up to the club now. But there is still time to talk about a contract renewal."
Friday, February 13, 2015
Valencia a small club compared to Bayern Munich, says Bernat
The Spain international is thoroughly enjoying life in Germany and admits he was surprised when Pep Guardiola came calling
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Juan Bernat has stressed that he has no regrets over his decision to leave Valencia for Bayern Munich ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.
The 21-year-old has developed into an important first-team player at the Bundesliga champions since his summer move and he is delighted to be part of a club of Bayern's stature.
"Up to now my move to Bayern really has been like a dream. Valencia are a small club compared with Bayern," Bernat told the official Bayern website.
"At the age of just 21 I took the plunge to move to a new country, a new league and it’s turned out brilliantly for me being a regular first choice in such a great team. It’s exceeded all my expectations. I just hope it carries on.
"It was a great honour when Bayern contacted me and it made me feel really proud when Pep [Guardiola] rang me to ask if I could imagine signing for Bayern.
"And, of course, I was a bit surprised as I was only 21 and playing my first season at left-back.
"There were no problems with my club Valencia as my contract only had a year to run. Most people shared my excitement and they gave me a good send off."
Bernat has made 29 appearances in all competitions so far this term, scoring once in the process.
No contract talks with Guardiola - Rummenigge
The Bayern Munich coach's contract expires in 2016 but the chairman has revealed there is no intention of discussing a new deal until the season is over
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=BAY Draw HSV Bayern Munich will not open contract talks with Pep Guardiola until the end of the season, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed.
The Spanish coach's current deal expires in June 2016 and the lack of progress on a new deal has stirred up a lot of speculation surrounding his future at the Bavarian giants.
The club chairman has since revealed that he has spoken to Guardiola about a renewal, but the former Barcelona boss has no interest in discussing the matter while the campaign is still ongoing.
"I talked to him about it two weeks ago," Rummenigge told ESPN. "The result of this discussion was that I won't ask him again while this season is running. We will talk afterwards and then we'll see.
"I am pretty relaxed because I think we can offer him a very good team. I believe he likes the city, the club's culture and life in Munich.
"My general impression is that he feels settled in Munich, so we'll see. I don't know what his final decision will be. We are happy with him and we hope he feels the same way about the club and will renew his contract."
First-team players Dante, Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are all over 30-years-old, but Rummenigge has no worries that the squad is in need of a massive injection of youth.
"We have some players now who are in the autumn of their carees and are in their 30s," he added. "But I don't think we're in a critical phase. I still enjoy watching Robben play. Over the last two years he was playing at an incredibly high level.
"Of course we have to care about keeping the right balance. But I am convinced we can do it and we will replace them properly some day."
Bayern Munich - Hamburg Preview: Ribery and Rafinha back in the frame
Leg injuries which the pair sustained have healed and they are set to feature against a team which held them to a stalemate earlier in the season
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David Alaba is glad that Franck Ribery and Rafinha are back in the first-team picture at Bayern Munich as they prepare for Saturday's Bundesliga match against Hamburg.
The duo were back in training on Monday to boost a Bayern side who have faltered since the mid-season break, with three games yielding just four points.
Ribery and Rafinha have missed all of those matches, the Frenchman having sustained a thigh injury and the full-back having damaged ankle ligaments.
But with those injuries behind them and a week of training under their belts, the two look set to feature as Bayern seek to reassert their authority in the league.
"We want to move on up. We'll prepare well this week and then hopefully give our fans at the Allianz Arena something to shout about," defender Alaba told the club's official website ahead of the 100th meeting between Bayern and Hamburg.
"It's good to have Franck and Rafa back. We need them as they're both very important players."
Bayern will not need any reminding of the difficulties that Hamburg can pose, with September's Bundesliga meeting ending goalless.
Pep Guardiola's side did have more joy the following month in a DFB Pokal clash that ended 3-1 to the visitors at the Imtech Arena.
Ribery was on the scoresheet in that match, as indeed was Alaba, and Bayern are generally used to beating Hamburg.
Last term they did it three times, scoring 12 goals in the process - the same number they racked up in just two games the season before.
Hamburg have to go back to 2009 for their last win over Bayern, with their last victory at the Allianz coming two years earlier.
But Josef Zinnbauer might prefer to reflect on more recent history, as his first game at the Hamburg helm was the stalemate against Bayern.
He has also guided his side to back-to-back victories, which has lifted them four points clear of the bottom three, and only three points shy of seventh-placed Hoffenheim.
And there is belief among his charges, with Croatian forward Ivica Olic predicting a shock.
"I think we can cause an upset," he told Sport Bild. "But even a draw would be quite special."
Bayern's lead at the Bundesliga summit is eight points and they have won nine of their 10 home league matches in this campaign, conceding just three goals.