No Lewandowski, no Müller and no Gnabry? FC Bayern is forced to make a larger offensive rotation in succession on the way to the eighth championship title. A 19-year-old and the third division top scorer could come into focus.
Munich (dpa) - The thought of an early masterpiece interested Hansi Flick "null".
In the run-up to the Bundesliga home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the 55-year-old thought much more about how he could replace his premium attack on the way to Bayern's eighth title in a row. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski and top preparer Thomas Müller are yellow-blocked. And Serge Gnabry plagued his back in advance.
"Of course, if two exceptionally experienced players like Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski are missing, it also hurts us," said Flick. Football international Gnabry, on the other hand, could "look pretty good" until kick-off on Saturday (6.30 p.m. / Sky). Bitter for Bayern: Thiago, who was last stopped by adductor problems, will be out for about three weeks after a groin operation. A possible return is targeted for the Cup final on July 4th.
The canned Munich double hunters do not want to be stopped by the obstacles to personnel in the "giant run" certified by Flick. The foal elf fighting for a Champions League place should be the last major obstacle on the way to the championship trophy. "Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski are, of course, game-defining mentality players who will certainly be missing, but the FC Bayern squad is set up so that you can replace them for a game," said guest coach Marco Rose.
The trio Lewandowski / Müller / Gnabry recorded a total of 82 goal participations in the league in the 90-goal attack of the German football record champion. Even the feudal Munich luxury ensemble doesn't even compensate for such failures. 19-year-old Joshua Zirkzee is an "absolute alternative", said Flick. "We are happy if you can give a young player the chance to play from the beginning in a game like this against Gladbach." Third-division striker Kwasi Okyere Wriedt, who scored 19 times this season, is also moving into the squad.
Flick praised Zirkzee, who should appear as a Lewandowski replacement in the top. The young Dutchman scored three goals in seven mostly short league appearances. Against Hoffenheim (6-0) and Augsburg (2-0), he was allowed to run twice before the Corona compulsory break during Lewandowski's knee injury. "His development over the past six months has been excellent. He has shown a certain amount of carefree in front of the goal," said Flick.
But in Flick's view, the young Dutchman also has a lot to learn - especially when you consider the training goals from Müller and Lewandowski. "If you see how the two flanks use it is a house number. If he looks at it again and again, he knows what else he has to work on," advised Flick.
Munich's lead over Borussia Dortmund is seven points. If BVB surprisingly loses at Fortuna Düsseldorf three hours before the Bayern game, Flick could already make his first championship against Gladbach perfect. "We have to win the game against Gladbach first. For me it is part of the fact that one takes the matter very seriously and does not speak of any celebrations," said the 55-year-old. 24 wins in the first 27 competitive games - making Flick even better than Pep Guardiola (22 wins).
However, there are no titles for this dream record. "We still need two victories, we are all aware and clear," said Flick. The next opponent after Gladbach is the relegation candidate Werder Bremen on Tuesday.
"We know exactly that we still have to collect points. Accordingly, we do not intend to take our foot off the accelerator," warned midfielder Leon Goretzka. Nothing should stop the Mucki man and his team anymore: The 30th championship and the 20th cup victory are alluring - anniversary title number 50 is possible this season.
The 25-year-old Goretzka could move up to the Müller position in the league classic against Gladbach in midfield. Nobody expects him to take on the role of the loud commanding officer of permanent speaker Müller. Flick joked when asked about it. "Do you think that Thomas Müller can give anyone the water?" Asked the 55-year-old and laughed. "It is difficult to replace in this matter."
Bayern squad
Bavaria game plan
Title wins FC Bayern
DFL concept for special game operations
Season statistics FC Bayern
Match balance Bayern - Frankfurt
List of winners DFB-Pokal
Record winner DFB Cup
Double winner
Goalscorer list in the current competition
Current locks in the DFB Cup
Eintracht game plan
Eintracht squad
PK Flick after reaching the final
