MY ACCOUNT
Julian Nagelsmann insisted his Bayern Munich side are “good enough” as questions continued over the attacking capabilities of his Bundesliga champions.
Robert Lewandowski scored 50 goals in 46 matches for Bayern last season in all competitions, making him the top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues, but departed for Barcelona in July.
Nagelsmann’s side brought in Sadio Mane from Liverpool prior to the Poland international’s exit, though the Senegal forward has failed to fill the void with questions persisting over Bayern’s attacking options.
Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo have both repeatedly been suggested as potential solutions for Bayern, whose lack of clinical finishing to kill games off has led to criticism.
When asked about the profligate nature of his forwards, Nagelsmann responded: “We have a lot of chances. Statistically we have even more chances than last year.
“It’s a good thing that we have more flexibility up front. You have to see the big picture. When you’re scoring fewer goals, it’s always easy to say ‘We’re missing a striker’.
“My job is to manage it so that we can compensate. I’ve commented on this topic many times now. There’s always the question of what’s available on the transfer market. The squad is good enough.”
Nagelsmann was speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Viktoria Plzen, with Bayern aiming for their fourth win in as many games to further their commanding position in Group C.
The Bundesliga side are unbeaten in their last 31 group stage matches in the competition (W28 D3), a record run, but Nagelsmann is targeting another victory to ensure his team progress to the knockout stages.
“The predictability of the line-up isn’t a big problem for me. With twelve points we’d be in a good position to go through to the next round,” he added.
“That would give us the rest we need, including for Sunday’s game against Freiburg. It’s an extremely important game for us. It’s up to us to maintain this haven of peace in the Champions League.
“Every one of my players wants to play tomorrow and on Sunday. You always play a game to win it, no matter who you are against.”
While Nagelsmann aims for early qualification to offer some of his players a rest, the Bayern coach confirmed he will be without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer against Plzen, with Sven Ulreich likely to deputise.
“Sven has a lot of experience. He’s used to performing well when he’s needed,” he continued. “Manu wouldn’t have played in a knockout game tomorrow either.
“The pain in the shoulder area is too great. We’ll have to see how it goes. Luckily we still have a few days left to see what it looks like before Sunday.”
