FC Bayern had to settle for a 3-3 draw at Viking Stavanger. Michael Olise’s red card, in particular, is a hot topic of discussion following the Champions League match. Sporting Director Max Eberl spoke candidly about the incident and the possible consequences for the French player.
It was a bitter evening for the German record champions. Despite dominating play and holding a 3-2 lead at one point, the Munich team could only manage a draw in the end. In addition to defensive lapses, Eberl was particularly frustrated after the final whistle by the unnecessary red card shown to Olise.
The French forward had picked up two yellow cards during the match and was sent off early. For Eberl, the incident was yet another avoidable mistake that ultimately cost Bayern a potential away win.
“We let ourselves get provoked.”
After the game, Bayern’s sporting director was asked about the yellow-red card in the mixed zone. Eberl left no doubt that he understood the referee’s decision.
“Well, I think it’s a yellow-red. A yellow for holding and a yellow for the ball to the face,” explained the 53-year-old.
At the same time, Eberl made it clear that Olise had let himself be provoked by his opponent. The opponent had deliberately tried to throw the Munich team off their game. “Yes, he played like a jerk. He wanted to win the game, but we let ourselves get provoked, and he achieved what he wanted—namely, to get a player sent off,” Eberl said angrily.
What was particularly bitter from the sporting director’s perspective: Bayern had already turned the game around after a difficult start before putting themselves back in trouble with the red card.
Will Olise now have to pay a fine?
It remains to be seen whether the French national team player will face internal club consequences for his behavior.
When asked specifically whether Olise faces a fine, Eberl remained noncommittal. “We’ll handle that calmly,” the sporting director said succinctly.
In doing so, the Bayern boss left open whether the 24-year-old will actually be sanctioned. What is clear, however, is that club officials intend to review the incident internally.
For Eberl, the red card fits into the overall picture of a disappointing evening. Immediately after the final whistle, he had already criticized his team’s numerous mistakes. Especially in close Champions League matches, FC Bayern cannot afford such lapses.
The Munich team now needs to get back on track quickly. Their next challenging match against RB Leipzig is just a few days away. By then, Olise will at least be available again for Bundesliga play, while his yellow-red card is likely to have consequences for the remainder of the Champions League campaign.