FC Bayern let a great opportunity to take the lead in the standings slip away. Following Borussia Dortmund’s surprising 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, Munich also could not manage more than a draw against FC Augsburg. What’s particularly frustrating is that the record champions had plenty of chances to win the derby. Sports director Max Eberl had some strong words after the final whistle.
Bayern fell behind just eight seconds into the game due to a costly mistake by Manuel Neuer. Although Vincent Kompany’s team responded well afterward, they could only manage a 2-2 draw despite numerous scoring chances.
This means that after five Bundesliga matchdays, the Munich side has already dropped points twice. That’s not good enough by their own standards, especially since Bayern made life difficult for themselves against Augsburg primarily due to individual mistakes.
Eberl criticizes: “We always put ourselves in a tight spot.”
After the game, Eberl was particularly annoyed by the avoidable goals conceded. The 52-year-old made it clear that Bayern are currently failing too often because of their own mistakes.
“Of course, Augsburg played a very good game. But to be honest, we always put ourselves in a tight spot,” explained the sporting director.
The Bayern boss was particularly annoyed by the early deficit. However, he also saw plenty of opportunities later in the game to turn things around.
“The 0–1 was a mistake—that happens sometimes. We had chances before halftime, too, and after the break we played more cleanly. We had more chances then. Then we scored, and we were playing much better. But then we made it hard on ourselves again with the goal we conceded,” Eberl analyzed.
At least the Munich team managed to tie the game. However, the sporting director wasn’t satisfied with the draw.
“We made it 2–2—fully deserved—and had enough chances to win the game,” he clarified.
“Then you have to win the game.”
In addition to defensive lapses, Eberl criticized the team’s failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities in particular. Harry Kane also pointed out after the game that Bayern needs to be more consistent in taking advantage of their chances.
The statistics underscore Munich’s offensive dominance. According to Eberl, the record champions’ expected goals (xG) total was just under five.
“I’m not a big fan of xG statistics, but if you have just under five, then you have to win the game,” emphasized the Bayern boss.
In doing so, Eberl addressed a problem that has plagued the Munich team on several occasions this season. Despite their dominance on the field, the team doesn’t always manage to convert their chances into the necessary goals.
Coach Kompany also admitted after the final whistle that his team had made too many mistakes.
Bayern doesn’t have much time to reflect on the match, however. They’ll be back in action in the Champions League against Viking Stavanger in the coming days. After that, they’ll face RB Leipzig and Arsenal, among others.
For Eberl and Kompany, the plan is clear: individual mistakes must be reduced, and scoring opportunities must be capitalized on more consistently. Otherwise, the Munich side risks unnecessary point losses in upcoming top-tier matches as well.