Agency Report –
Bayern showed no signs of disappointment three days after their narrow Champions League exit at Inter Milan and took a big step towards reclaiming the Bundesliga title.
“I think we had our last match 40 hours ago, we were very disappointed when we came here, but the way we approached the match impressed me. It was a crucial step,” Kimmich said.
The Heidenheim camp and Bayern’s title rivals Bayer Leverkusen may have hoped for another slip-up but that was not the case.
New stability
“I had the feeling that we are more stable” than in previous years after a Champions League exit, Kimmich said, saying that in the past “we started from zero and we started to question ourselves.”
He said there was no finger pointing at others this time because “we have a different foundation, especially in the dressing room.”
Kimmich praised coach Vincent Kompany in this respect, saying the new helsman was acting “very skilful” and “very clever” in his public statements and mainly praised or criticised players internally.
Firmly on course
Bayern moved nine points clear of Leverkusen, who play later Sunday at St Pauli, and are well-placed to reclaim the league title with four matchdays left after the weekend.
Bayern finished third in the Bundesliga behind Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, and without a trophy of any kind, last season. The previous year they only won the Bundesliga because Borussia Dortmund flopped on the last matchday.
But barring an improbable late collapse they are firmly on course towards a 34th national title and 33rd in the Bundesliga era which they will enjoy despite missing out on the Champions League final which is played in their home stadium.
“Thanks to the way we played – we wanted to win from the start – we’re a step closer to the championship title now,” board member for sport Max Eberl said.
Clean sheet again at last
League top scorer Harry Kane opened the scoring and Konrad Laimer, Kingsley Coman and Kimmich added the other goals in Heidenheim where Bayern were also happy with a clean sheet despite their injury woes in defence.
The clean sheet was the first for their young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig in his sixth Bundesliga match as deputy for Manuel Neuer. The January signing had a quiet afternoon but was there when it mattered with a big save against Sirlord Conteh.
“It can get awkward if you aren’t completely focused, both up front and at the back. But we showed a great reaction,” Urbig said.
By Christoph Lother
