Julian Nagelsmann wants to secure the group victory and send a signal with a victory for FC Bayern in the prestigious premier class classic against FC Barcelona. “If you want to play for the Champions League title, you shouldn’t allow yourself too many weaknesses,” said the Munich coach on Tuesday evening in Barcelona. “It’s always about sending a signal both internally and externally. Tomorrow is another chance to send a sign.”
The central defender Matthijs de Ligt, who was signed by Juventus Turin in the summer for almost 70 million euros, does not fear that after the ticket for the round of 16 that has already been purchased on Wednesday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Champions League and on DAZN) the concentration of Munich could grind . “A game against Barcelona is always difficult. I think it’s a big game,” said the 23-year-old. “For every player, this is a game in which you have maximum concentration. I think it’s very important that we finish first in our group – and for that we have to win.”
In the Camp Nou, Bayern want to make the group victory in the premier football league perfect. If Inter Milan wins the game against Viktoria Pilsen, which starts around two hours earlier, Bayern need three points to win the group. Barcelona would then no longer have a chance of reaching the round of 16. “We would like to win the prestige duel,” said Nagelsmann.
Kahn: See Neuer “from day to day”.
Meanwhile, Oliver Kahn tried to allay concerns about national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. “You have to wait and see, day by day. It’s a painful story, but nothing serious,” said the Bayern Munich CEO on Tuesday afternoon. Neuer is suffering from a bruised shoulder joint. The 36-year-old therefore missed the meeting with Barcelona and thus the fifth competitive game of the German record champions in a row.
On Tuesday, too, he missed team training again, but did a running session. “Running training isn’t that hard on the shoulders, the injury is more specific to the goalkeeper,” said coach Nagelsmann in the evening.
The coach did not want to confirm that Neuer would return as planned against FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday (3:30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky). “I’m reluctant to make predictions, Manu has to decide that, I can’t look into it. In the end he has to give the go – if he gives it he’s back, if he doesn’t give it we have to wait a little longer for him.”
