CEO Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic took a big risk with the change of coach in a high phase of the season. The leading duo wanted to secure the desired title triple for the 2022/23 season. But the plan didn’t quite work out.
SC Freiburg surprisingly ended Bayern’s triple mission in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup on Tuesday. It was the first win for Freiburg in the Allianz Arena and the ultimate cup surprise. While the team of long-term coach Christian Streich can continue to dream of the cup, Nagelsmann’s successor Thomas Tuchel has to quickly convert the defeat back into positive energy.
The Munich team already have the chance to make amends on Saturday. Because even in the Bundesliga, the opponent is called Freiburg. A win is mandatory. However, FC Bayern has not always had good experiences in Breisgau in the past.
Will the Freiburg double become a stumbling block?
Only four days after the disappointing cup result, the much-vaunted “mia-san-mia” feeling has to be corrected in the Bundesliga duel against the hosts, who are equipped with fresh self-confidence, if possible with a three-pointer.
The last three Bundesliga matches went to the account of the record champions – in autumn they finished SC still under coach Julian Nagelsmann in the Allianz Arena with a 5-0 victory – but at home Freiburg are much more difficult hit. In the Breisgau, Munich have already dropped points several times. Of the last ten away games against SC, the Munich team could only win five, there were four draws and one home win for Freiburg, but this dated May 16, 2015.
Especially since Christian Streich has been on the sidelines, Freiburg have been able to improve their record against FC Bayern. Since 2012, eight points have been scored against the record champions. Previously, the Breisgauers had not won a point against Munich for 12 years.
Decisive weeks for the industry leader
The players will probably throw everything into the balance because these are crucial weeks for both sides. For Freiburg, the first direct qualification for the Champions League is within reach. Bayern, on the other hand, are enthroned just ahead of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table before the 27th matchday, and they can no longer afford many slips up to the 34th matchday.
In addition, the FCB star ensemble must deliver again next Tuesday in the Champions League, also to keep the top management happy. In the premier class duel, Manchester City with coach Pep Guardiola is waiting in the quarter-finals first leg. On April 19 in the Allianz Arena, the decision will be made in the second leg as to whether at least the goal of the season in the Champions League will remain within reach.
Mainz 05 is waiting for the Tuchel team three days later. From the paper actually a clear thing. But the recent away record against FSV also promises a lot of excitement, because after the last two Bundesliga guest games, the Munich team had to travel home without points. In the round of 16 of the cup in Mainz, however, they clearly won 4-0 again.
