MUNICH: Bayern Munich's players are not machines and can also have a bad day, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Friday in an effort to explain their shock 5-0 demolition at Borussia Moenchengladbach in the German Cup on Wednesday.
Nagelsmann, who missed the second-round game and will still be in quarantine on Saturday when Bayern visit Union Berlin in the Bundesliga due to his COVID-19 infection, said the heavy loss showed a lot of things went wrong at the same time.
He promised, however, that his team would be completely different against Union.
"We are humans and not machines," Nagelsmann told a virtual news conference on Friday. "We can make mistakes and combined with a good opponent and a bad day for us it led to three goals in (the opening) 21 minutes."
"We showed we are vulnerable but it is important to learn the lessons from this game. It was historic and we have to accept the criticism. No question about that.
"I screamed (watching at home) and the neighbours must have been wondering what was going on. But we are only human and we can make mistakes and sometimes in one day we can make more than one."
The Bavarians suffered their heaviest ever defeat in the German Cup after a dominant start in the Bundesliga and the Champions League where they top their group, having scored 12 goals and conceded none.
In the Bundesliga they have already scored a league record 33 goals in the first nine matches to lead the title race.
"We should not be distracted from too much praise, that we are the best team in the world and all that," Nagelsmann said.
"We have to focus on proving all the time that we are Bayern and that we do indeed belong among the best teams in Europe.
"We need as champions to get up again and we will try on Saturday to show a reaction. We were all a bit surprised about what happened on Wednesday. We agreed that this should not happen again because it is very painful," he said.
Gladbach's three goals in 21 minutes was the first time that Bayern had ever conceded so many in this span in the German Cup.
But 34-year-old Nagelsmann, who is in his first season at the club after spells with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, said he did not feel added pressure following the heavy Cup defeat.
"I always feel pressure and here I feel it from day one. In Bayern you have to chase titles and win games. I know how this profession works. I have felt pressure in all the other clubs as well."
Reuters
Fri Oct 29 2021
Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich - BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - October 17, 2021. - REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.