JOSHUA KIMMICH REFLECTS ON BAYERN MUNICH’S PERFORMANCE: STRONG START, SLOPPY FINISH VS DORTMUND
Harry Kane & Michael Olise score as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 for their 11th straight win. Julian Brandt's late goal was only a consolation for BVB.
Harry Kane and Michael Olise's goals helped Bayern Munich defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at the Allianz Arena, making it 11 wins in as many games. Niko Kovac brought Julian Brandt into the game, and his goal in the 84th minute was only a consolation goal, as Vincent Kompany's team did enough to keep Dortmund from regaining a second goal.
Even though Bayern performed far better in the first half than in the second, they managed to win in the end. Gregor Kobel, the goalie, was kept very busy as they ended the game with seven shots on goal, most of which came in the first half. From a Bayern point of view, one of the negative conclusions is that, given their dominance and the opportunities they generated, they might have been up by more than one goal at the break.
Joshua Kimmich, who helped Kane score with his headed goal from his corner kick, said after the game that he was happy Bayern was able to win in the manner they did, even though the second half was a little slow. For letting their foot off the accelerator, Dortmund could have definitely made Bayern pay more than they did.
"The way we played contributed to the significant victory. It was a great first half. Dortmund performed well in the second half and had a few nice chances, including one with Karim [Adeyemi] following my error. They got a good goal. In the second half, we were not playing at our best. However, we persevered, and the team achieved a crucial victory. It is hard to beat us right now, as you can see," Kimmich emphasised.
Even if Bayern has not lost yet, Kompany will undoubtedly address the team's tendency to let teams score goals in the second half to tie games. Even though Dortmund improved their first half considerably in the second half, Bayern managed to stay threatening in attack despite knowing ahead of the Der Klassiker that there would be times when their team would park the bus.
MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT
Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.
Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.
After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.
Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”
The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.
“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.
With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.
BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME
Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.
Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.
Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.
Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.
Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.
Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.
Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.
So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.
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