Kimmich saves a point for weak Bayern


ZLong game, second setback: A disappointing FC Bayern got off to a bad start in the new year. The autumn champion only saved a happy 1:1 (0:1) against the cheeky 1. FC Köln at the end of the first half of the season thanks to a violent shot by Joshua Kimmich (90th) with oh and nosh. Three weeks before the Champions League duel with Paris St. Germain, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team is desperately trying to find their form.

Cologne was able to take the momentum from the impressive 7:1 against Bremen and took the lead in the 4th minute through Ellyes Skhiri. After a previously unsuccessful attempt, Kimmich at least equalized with his Sunday shot on Tuesday evening for a record champion who was largely indisposed. “Of course, the equalizer was deserved, but we can be very satisfied with the performance,” said Florian Kainz, who initiated his team’s goal with a corner kick. Goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe was the outstanding player for the billy goats. “It’s annoying because of the timing, but basically it’s fine. We’re going home happy with the point,” said FC coach Steffen Baumgart.

Bayern’s lead before the top game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (6.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) could be reduced to just three points. Nagelsmann made no changes to his starting eleven after the meager 1-1 draw at the start of the year in Leipzig. For Thomas Müller there was only one place on the bench until the 68th minute.

Bayern, who fired goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic on Monday, immediately felt pressure. After a corner from Kainz and Julian Chabot’s header extension, Skhiri dusted off the far post from a completely free position. Goalkeeper newcomer Yann Sommer was powerless.

Cologne’s earliest goal of the season unsettled the home side. The guests stayed brave, Bayern needed some time to get up to speed. Leroy Sane fired a first warning shot (10th), then Serge Gnabry failed a little later when he was free-standing due to the strongly reacting Swabian.

Bayern took more and more of the initiative, but the wild actions often lacked precision, determination – and an idea. As in Leipzig, Joshua Kimmich was not the usual pacesetter. Little came from Jamal Musiala, as did Gnabry. After his controversial short trip to Paris Fashion Week on Sunday, the national player was under particular scrutiny. “It is important that the correct answer is always on the pitch,” Nagelsmann commented. Gnabry’s unfortunate and erratic appearance was definitely not what the trainer meant.

Cologne defended cleverly and remained dangerous. So Sommer had to save from Skhiri (29th) after a counterattack in dire need. The Bayern defensive swam a few times worrying. There were whistles at the break, even though Benjamin Pavard almost equalized. However, Schwäbe skillfully fended off his powerful shot.

Nagelsmann reacted and replaced the weak Gnabry and Leon Goretzka with Kingsley Coman and Ryan Gravenberch. Both brought some momentum. But Schwäbe was initially the spoilsport against Matthijs de Ligt, Coman and Thomas Müller (79th), who also came on as a substitute. Gravenberch hit the outside of the post. The league leaders mostly acted surprisingly erratic and uninspired near the goal. An act of violence by Kimmich had to be used to prevent the first home bankruptcy in more than a year.



Source link -68