“We will compete with the best team available “, promises Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the last Champions League group game against FC Barcelona. With eight absentees, however, the coach’s choice is limited. While his team, which has already qualified for the last 16, is “only” concerned with the bonus and the clean slate of six victories, the Catalans are fighting against premature elimination.
In the long list of absentees Julian Nagelsmann forgot two names, Josip Stanisic and Bouna Sarr. No shame, the overview is not quite easy. Leon Goretzka (hip problems) broke off training on Tuesday and is out, but according to Nagelsmann he would not have been in the starting eleven anyway. Serge Gnabry is also absent with problems in the adductor area, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is struggling with the after-effects of his COVID infection, the earliest he can be put under proper strain again is next week.
Joshua Kimmich is not allowed to leave quarantine until tomorrow’s match day at the earliest, so he is also not an issue. “He’s hoofing it and he’s more than willing, but it has to make sense and we have to consider whether it does on Saturday,” said the coach, looking ahead to the Bundesliga match against Mainz. Marcel Sabitzer is making progress after calf problems but is unlikely to play again this calendar year, last but not least, the stricken Michael Cuisance is out.
Nagelsmann is not looking for excuses, rather he stressed the importance of the game against Barcelona at the press conference on Tuesday lunchtime: “It’s about compensating for the absences and bringing in players who can prove themselves. With a view to our three following important games in the Bundesliga, we want to keep rhythm and level.” Even more: “A perfect group stage in terms of points is a very worthwhile goal. “
Barça defend higher under Xavi
Brisom holds the match especially for Barcelona, who must win in Munich if Benfica Lisbon beat Dynamo Kiev at home to reach the last 16. “That’s still FC Barcelona, still a very good team against whom it’s always difficult to win,” Kingsley Coman paid tribute. Nagelsmann has noticed that the Catalans defend ten metres higher under new coach Xavi and press more actively and courageously. Nevertheless, the role of favourites should clearly lie with the Munich team, who deservedly won 3-0 away from home on the first day of group play.
