ZCZC
BSP-03
FBL-EUR-C1-BAYERN-BUNDESLIGA-KOVAC
Bayern tune up for Liverpool with ‘feel-good’ goal spree
BERLIN, March 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Bayern Munich warmed-up for Wednesday’s
Champions League showdown against Liverpool with a ‘feel-good’ goal spree to
seize control of the Bundesliga after a 6-0 battering of Wolfsburg.
“It was a perfect day – it feels good and is good for self-confidence. I
think we can definitely win,” said goal-scorer Joshua Kimmich with an eye on
Liverpool.
This was a polished display from Bayern in their final match before
hosting Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the last 16, return leg following a
goalless draw at Anfield.
Bayern ran riot in Munich as Robert Lewandowski led the way with two goals
as Serge Gnabry, James Rodriguez and Kimmich also netted.
“I am very pleased,” said head coach Niko Kovac with Bayern back on top of
the Bundesliga for the first time since September on goal difference ahead of
Borussia Dortmund.
“At no time were we in trouble, we could have scored more and now we are
leaders – which is where we want to stay.
“We have another important game on Wednesday, that’s what we want to focus
on and win, then we’ll see what the future brings.”
Liverpool’s future looks bleak at the Allianz Arena as Lewandowski, who
loves scoring against Wolfsburg and now has 20 goals in 17 games against
them, netted twice in Munich.
“I’m pleased with how we played today, that was a good game for the
Champions League,” said the Polish hot-shot, who became the Bundesliga’s top-
scoring foreigner with 197 goals.
Bayern’s attack hit top gear with Rodriguez and Mueller, who had a point
to prove after being dumped by Germany, on song.
Rodriguez called the shots in attacking midfield and scored their third
with a brilliant strike.
Mueller gave a classy reply after being told by Germany head coach Joachim
Loew on Tuesday, along with Bayern team-mates Jerome Boateng and Mats
Hummels, that his international career is over.
– Point to prove –
Mueller set up Gnabry for Bayern’s opening goal and then scored with a
confident back-heel while both Boateng and Hummels let nothing past at
centre-back.
“You saw the performance the three delivered,” added Kovac.
“That was very good and what we expect from them, I was sure of it.
“The way they turned it into positive energy today speaks for them, as
players and as people.”
Kovac will have plenty of options as veteran winger Franck Ribery and
midfielder Leon Goretzka both came on for the final 25 minutes to prove their
fitness after injury.
French winger Kingsley Coman, always a threat on the left wing, could also
feature against Liverpool after a hamstring injury.
“We are very positive and believe that he can play,” said Kovac.
“We have to wait for training tomorrow (Sunday) Monday and Tuesday.
“We have four days, which we want to make good use of.”
Bayern are bidding to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for
the eight season in a row.
“We were a little sluggish in the first 20 minutes, but scored some nice
goals, prepared well for Wednesday and fuelled our self-confidence,” said
director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic
“I am glad that we can take this momentum with us.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0943 hrs