Back to winning ways with “much more passion”

This run began in the Champions League (1-0 loss at Atlético Madrid) and now the Reds return to European action as they look to get back to winning ways. The German record champions are on a run of three games without a win and according to Mats Hummels want to “show our true colours” against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday (kick-off 20:45 CEST, follow the game via our Live Ticker). The team are under a little bit of pressure following the defeat in Madrid and the centre back said, “We want to finish first or second in the group, but preferably first. That can only happen when we beat Eindhoven at home.”

It’s a home game at an opportune time because the Reds have won their last 13 matches at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League (a record! – see our Eindhoven factfile) and have also never lost at home to a Dutch side. For the first time during his reign, Carlo Ancelotti also has his entire squad around him at the hotel the night before the game as he looks to bring an end to this run. “I already said before the season started that we would stay in a hotel for particular games – and tomorrow is one of them,” said the 57-year-old on his 100th day in charge of Bayern.

"I think the players have understood"

It has not just been the coach hard at work trying to get the side back to winning ways against PSV since the 2-2 draw in Frankfurt. Mats Hummels explained, “We, the players, spoke straight after the Eintracht game and thought about what we can do.” The phrase “room for improvement” featured prominently. “We have already laid down a marker in training and really pushed ourselves. The key part is transferring that to the pitch but I am confident of that.”

The same goes for Ancelotti: “The players are all professional and intelligent. I think they have understood that the attitude was not good against Eintracht.” It’s about remaining calm and “being honest without ourselves. Sometimes I have to be strict but I don’t have to punish the players. I have to work with them to find a solution,” stressed Ancelotti. “I am sure that we will see a different attitude tomorrow.”

"Not a walk in the park"

That is the key to victory, regardless of the opposition whose qualities Ancelotti knows “very well”. The Dutch champions (“a good, well-organised team”) are yet to lose away from home in any competition this season. They made it to the Champions League round of 16 earlier this year, only to lose on penalties to Atlético Madrid. “We know that it won’t be a walk in the park,” said Hummels, who promised, “much more impetus and much more passion!”