FC Bayern could only manage a 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger. Following the disappointing draw in the Champions League, sporting director Max Eberl sounded the alarm and had strong words for the Munich team’s performance.
Despite a dominant performance for long stretches, Bayern had to settle for a single point in Norway. What was particularly frustrating: The Munich team had turned the game around at one point and were leading 3–2, but were unable to hold on to the lead until the final whistle.
After the final whistle, Max Eberl made it clear in the mixed zone that he was fed up. Above all, the numerous individual mistakes and his team’s defensive play are causing the 53-year-old increasing concern.
Eberl Criticizes Bayern Stars: “That’s Too Many Mistakes”
“Unnecessary,” was Eberl’s first reaction to the draw. The sporting director was immediately reminded of the most recent Bundesliga match against Augsburg. Back then, too, the Munich team had gotten themselves into trouble early on due to their own mistakes.
“Here I am again, just like after the Augsburg game, and basically we’ve done it all over again,” Eberl said with frustration. He was particularly annoyed by the early goal conceded and the team’s subsequent vulnerability to counterattacks.
“That’s a string of mistakes—too many mistakes—and then you simply can’t win here in Stavanger either,” the Bayern boss made clear.
When asked whether Munich might have underestimated their Norwegian opponent, Eberl firmly disagreed. Rather, he sees a fundamental problem within his own team.
“I don’t think so. But we’re simply making too many mistakes right now. That’s not the level our team is capable of. Our team is capable of a different level. We’re just not bringing that to the field right now.”
Bayern’s defense is a major concern for Eberl
While the offense created numerous scoring chances and scored three goals in Stavanger as well, Eberl sees a significant need for improvement, especially when defending.
“You’re talking about the offense; I’m talking about the defense,” he replied when asked about the team’s attacking play.
However, the sporting director explicitly does not place the blame solely on the defenders. Rather, it’s about the defensive behavior of the entire team and the necessary concentration in crucial situations.
“That has nothing to do with defense; it has to do with attention, with the willingness to do my job,” Eberl explained.
Recurring mistakes, in particular, are a source of frustration for the 53-year-old. “When it happens so often, at some point it’s not just bad luck—it’s also a matter of concentration.”
Eberl is calling for a response against Leipzig
However, Bayern doesn’t have much time to process the disappointing result. The next challenging task—against RB Leipzig—awaits in just four days.
Eberl expects the team to learn from its mistakes and show an appropriate response. “That’s the crazy thing about soccer—you took a hit today because a draw was definitely not on our minds.”
At the same time, the sporting director is looking ahead: “But in four days, you have a game against Leipzig where you can do some things better again—where you can get it right.”