The Salzburg countdown has begun for FC Bayern
Munich – Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann started the Salzburg countdown on Friday, exactly 20 days before the Champions League duel, with an internal test match for his stars on Säbener Straße.
A Munich prelude, so to speak. In the round of 16 first leg with the Austrians on February 16 in the Red Bull Arena, only 137 kilometers away, things will be tougher than in the tightened training session on the Bayern site.
Salzburg will burn and should not be underestimated
Nagelsmann’s team aims to progress, preferably even to the final in St. Petersburg on May 28th. But Thomas Müller warned of the next opponent: “Salzburg qualified in the last group game, it’s the first round of 16 in the club’s history and they will burn. It’s a surprise team that shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Next Saturday (6.30 p.m. live on Sky and in the AZ live ticker) Bayern can play against Salzburg’s partner club RB Leipzig in the first game after the international break – a week and a half later things will get serious in the premier class. There is still the Bundesliga duel at VfL Bochum on February 12th. The AZ gives an overview: Nagelsmann and Bayern have these tasks before the Salzburg cracker…
Task 1: Niklas Süle motivated
The free transfer of the defender at the end of the season is certain, Süle is now on a farewell tour. In training over the past few days, he has seemed happy and relieved that a decision has now been made. However, there is still no information about his new club.
One thing is clear: Nagelsmann needs a strong Süle this spring to go far in the Champions League. Can he motivate the defensive star again for his last Bayern mission and bring him to his highest level?
Task 2: Get Leon Goretzka fit
There remains a big question mark when the midfielder returns to the pitch. After weeks of problems with the patella tendon, Leon Goretzka can no longer think of team training. This week he only ran laps on Säbener Straße.
It will be very tight with the Salzburg first leg. Fortunately, Nagelsmann has the in-form Corentin Tolisso, Jamal Musiala and Marc Roca available as alternatives in the center alongside Joshua Kimmich. If possible, Goretzka should make his comeback in February.
Task 3: Extend contracts
The contract extension worked for Kingsley Coman, but not for Süle. A quartet is to follow soon. Serge Gnabry is “the next in this row,” said Uli Hoeneß recently. Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski should also remain in the long term, all three probably until 2025. New deals before the Salzburg games would ensure calm in the area.
Task 4: Decode the opponent
The respect for Salzburg for the attacking gem Karim Adeyemi is very high. A “positively disgusting opponent who plays classic RB football with a lot of high pressing situations,” said Nagelsmann: “It’s an extremely young team that’s greedy. It’s uncomfortable to play against them. They’re playing a good round internationally . In Matthias Jaissle they have a very good coach.”
Captain Manuel Neuer said: “It’s not an easy task, but we should have the confidence and want to come off the field as winners in both games.” Salzburg was “deservedly in the knockout phase, they have already annoyed one or the other big opponent. We know that they play good football. We go into the duel as favorites, but do not underestimate any opponent.” The Salzburg countdown has started.
