FC Bayern is currently going through a difficult phase. In their 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund, the Munich team not only missed out on the hoped-for victory in the Bundesliga classic but also had to cope with three injury-related absences. In light of the growing personnel problems, Joshua Kimmich has now issued an urgent appeal to his team.
Even before the top-of-the-table clash, the situation at the German record champions was tense. With Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz out, two key offensive players were missing. Captain Manuel Neuer also remained sidelined due to his foot problems.
Against Dortmund, the situation worsened considerably. Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry had to be substituted as early as the first half. In the closing stages, Michael Olise also went down with an injury. Bayern fears that Saibari and Gnabry, in particular, may have sustained more serious injuries.
Kimmich: “We’re going through some tough weeks right now.”
After the final whistle, Kimmich spoke to Sky about the record champions’ difficult situation. The 31-year-old had recently been sidelined due to a family bereavement and made his comeback against Dortmund. “It was, of course, a very, very tough week. I’m glad to be back on the field. It wasn’t exactly easy,” the midfielder explained.
During the match, he was able to put his personal worries aside, at least for a while. However, the renewed injuries to his teammates also brought home to him what really matters. “When you see these injuries again now, you realize that the most important thing is to stay healthy,” Kimmich emphasized.
The German national team player also referred to the ongoing absence of head coach Vincent Kompany, who remains sidelined due to meningitis. “We’re going through some tough weeks right now, especially with the situation involving the coach. We have to show now that we’re a team.”
Bayern Face a Tough Task Against Atlético
The Munich team doesn’t have much time to process the recent setbacks. Their next important competitive match is already coming up on Tuesday. In the Champions League, FC Bayern will face Atlético Madrid on the road. Given the personnel issues, preparing for the match is likely to be particularly challenging for interim coach Aaron Danks.
There’s a significant shortage looming, especially on offense. If it’s confirmed that Saibari and Gnabry will be out for an extended period, the record champions would be without four established forwards.
As for Olise, there is at least cautious hope that his injury is not as serious as initially feared.
For Kimmich, it’s therefore clear that the team will have to pull together even more closely in the coming weeks.
The 31-year-old has also recently experienced firsthand just how important team unity within the club can be. “The club is behind me—that’s a great sign. The same goes for the DFB. Of course, that shows me that I’m in the right place here,” explained the Bayern star.
After his father’s death, Kimmich received a great deal of support from his sports community. This experience now seems to hold special significance for him, especially in light of the team’s current situation.
On the field, Bayern remains undefeated despite the draw against Dortmund. The coming weeks, however, will likely reveal just how well the record champions can actually weather the numerous setbacks.