FC Bayern had to work hard for its 2-1 win at SV Elversberg. The newly promoted team played with courage, repeatedly created offensive opportunities, and kept the game open until the very end. SVE coach Vincent Wagner was understandably pleased with his team’s performance—but not at all with the result.
That’s why the 39-year-old didn’t really want to accept congratulations for the strong performance after the final whistle. “No, no, we lost, after all,” Wagner explained to DAZN.
His team had given the record champions a real fight for long stretches of the game. After Lennart Karl put Bayern ahead 1-0, substitute Maurice Krattenmacher even managed to tie the game temporarily with a dream goal. In the end, however, Harry Kane secured a Bayern victory with his goal to make it 2–1.
Wagner subsequently made it clear that, despite the close score, the match had also shown him just how much quality Munich possesses.
“Bayern could have stepped it up a notch.”
“Amid all the euphoria, when Bayern really turned up the pressure, we definitely noticed it. Bayern could have shifted up a gear. But at least we were right there with them,” explained the Elversberg coach.
Wagner saw some definite positives, especially when his team had possession. At the same time, he was frustrated that his team didn’t capitalize on a few promising opportunities consistently enough.
“We had two really clear-cut moments when we couldn’t find the open man, even though we had the chance. That’s one thing. Otherwise, we showed good confidence in possession and were better in the second half. But Bayern did it better than we did—they’re really good,” he concluded.
In doing so, Wagner also confirmed the impression the match gave for long stretches. Elversberg was able to keep the favorites busy and put them under pressure at times. However, when Bayern picked up the pace, the difference in quality became apparent.
Wagner Criticizes His Team’s Pressing
The SVE coach was particularly dissatisfied with his team’s pressing. Against an opponent like Bayern, even minor coordination issues are punished.
“In my opinion, we weren’t good enough in our pressing. You really notice that against opponents like this. If you play the way we want to play, you have to be ready in every situation. And if some players aren’t ready, then you’re close, but it’s still not enough. But it’s also not a problem that a few players still need some time,” he concluded.
For the newly promoted team, this brought an end to their perfect start to the season. After two wins to open the season, Elversberg left the field without any points for the first time. The performance against the record champions should nevertheless give Wagner confidence for the challenges ahead.
Bayern, for their part, took home the three points this time after the 0-0 draw at Schalke, even though they didn’t play convincingly for the entire match. For Wagner, however, one thing was clear: as soon as Munich seriously ramped up the pressure, it became extremely difficult for his team.