Bayern boss demands more despite 11-point lead
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E-mail China Daily, January 29, 2013
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Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci (left) and Munich midfielder Franck Ribery vie for the ball during their German first division Bundesliga match in Stuttgart, Germany, on Saturday. Thomas Kienzle / AFP |
Although Bayern Munich's 2-0 win at VfB Stuttgart opened an 11-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Sunday, director of sport Matthias Sammer still wants the side to raise its game.
After an unimpressive first-half display, Bayern roared back with Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic capitalizing on a mistake in the Stuttgart defense for the first goal before setting up Thomas Mueller for the second.
But having watched his team labor to a 2-0 win in Munich the week before against bottom side Greuther Fuerth, Sammer said Bayern must do more.
"We have to get into our rhythm as quickly as possible," Sammer said. "As we were against Greuther Fuerth, we were good, but 'good' just won't cut it for the rest of the season."
While Sammer's comments may seem harsh after two ultimately convincing wins, Bayern has some tough games ahead at Mainz and Wolfsburg, sandwiched between a home game against Schalke 04, before it plays Arsenal in the Champions League.
Coach Jupp Heynckes said he was happy with the second-half display after some harsh words during the break.
"We played much better than against Fuerth," said the 67-year-old, who will step down at the end of the season to be replaced by ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
"In the first half we lacked a bit of wit, perseverance and determination in our final pass.
"I complained in the break and we went up a gear in the second half when Stuttgart started making errors."
Having won all eight of its opening league games, Bayern set another Bundesliga record in Stuttgart for having conceded just seven goals in its first 19 matches.
Goalscorer Mueller said the Bavarians need to learn to be patient against defense-minded teams eager to contain Bayern's star-studded attack.
"We need to get used to not always leading 3-0 at halftime - a football match lasts longer and we need to be patient," he said. "We punished their mistakes by going 2-0 up."
Stuttgart had Austria striker Martin Harnik sent off for the last 10 minutes for a second yellow card after his frustration got the better of him and he clattered into Franck Ribery's ankle after the ball had gone.
"Of course, Bayern had more ball possession and dominated," said Stuttgart's Christian Gentner.
"We made simple mistakes at crucial moments, which are punished when you play Bayern Munich."
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