Newcomer Olise really hits the spot
Müller's early double strike brings FC Bayern an easy cup victory
While the other Bundesliga teams are having a hard time at the start of the cup, Thomas Müller is in full swing at FC Bayern. Against second division promoted SSV Ulm, he gave Munich an early lead with a brace. New coach Vincent Kompany's competitive debut is a success.
Coach Vincent Kompany had a relaxed competitive debut at FC Bayern. Thanks to icon Thomas Müller, the record champions easily cleared the first cup hurdle against second division team SSV Ulm 4-0 (2-0). At the start of the “general attack” on all titles announced by Uli Hoeneß, the Munich team presented themselves largely confidently without shining after a completely messed up season.
“We were serious, but not without mistakes. We wanted to implement a lot. I did my job, of course I'm happy about that,” said double goalscorer Müller on ZDF: “It's fun, I feel good, I'm in a good mood. But it's not supposed to about me.” What is particularly important is the way “we conduct duels when we lose the ball”. There he noticed a “significant difference” compared to the previous year.
The 34-year-old Müller, whose contract expires next summer, was the pioneer of unchallenged success. The offensive player scored in the 12th and 15th minutes and, with his earliest brace in his 708th competitive game, quickly ensured that Kompany was able to spend a relatively quiet cup evening in the Donaustadion after the break, apart from a few minor wobbles from his team. Kingsley Coman (79th) made it 3-0 after an assist from Michael Olise, who was signed by Crystal Palace. Shortly before the end, Harry Kane increased (90.+3).
The Ulmer Spatzen, coached by former Munich women's coach Thomas Wörle, rarely had anything to counter the focused record champions. Next Saturday, Bayern are likely to be much more challenged when the Bundesliga starts in Wolfsburg.
Goretzka is missing from the squad
Kompany did without Leon Goretzka in the squad – even though the national player was fit. Goretzka is considered a sales candidate during the upheaval in Munich, as is Coman. Top scorer Harry Kane was initially missing from the starting line-up, as were the million-dollar additions Joao Palhinha and Olise, who only made their debut in the final phase.
But even without the stars, Bayern got off to a furious start thanks to Müller. First, the veteran benefited from the courageous efforts of Joshua Kimmich, who, unlike last season, once again played in the center of midfield. Shortly afterwards, Serge Gnabry unselfishly crossed the ball and Müller just had to push it in.
Kompany cheered – the Munich fans, who initially caused an interruption with fireworks after the substitution, also liked it. They had already made their high expectations clear before the game. “With the splendor of bygone days to the cup final” was written on a huge red poster in the Bayern block after the Munich team had failed, sometimes embarrassingly, three times in the second round and once in the quarter-finals in the last four years.
Kompany with his first competitive win
For Kompany, Thomas Tuchel's successor, it was important to “start well and get a feeling that we are on the right path.” On the other hand, sports director Max Eberl, who was harshly attacked by Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro during the week, had more in mind before the duel: “We want to win all the games – and then the goals are clear.”
The first small step was already successful. Bayern initially appeared determined and focused. In the end the strength weakened. Nevertheless, Kompany didn't have to intervene on the sidelines too often.
