Hitzfeld: We lacked precision and creative spark

Bayern dominated possession against struggling MSV Duisburg on Saturday, but failed to take the handful of chances they created and had to settle for a goalless draw. Ottmar Hitzfeld declared himself “disappointed with the result, we wanted to make sure of first place over Christmas. But it’s our own fault.“ The Bayern coach was especially unhappy with his side’s first half display: “We showed no passion, we wanted to win the game by playing pretty stuff.”

Reaction to Bayern v MSV Duisburg:

Ottmar Hitzfeld: “Naturally, I’m disappointed with the result, we wanted to win and make sure of first place over Christmas. But it’s our own fault. We found it very difficult today, especially after we again failed to take our early chances. Duisburg grew in confidence and solidity at the back. They defended well with nine men, we couldn’t find any gaps, and we never found the spark to prise them open. At the end of the day we lacked precision, there were too many misplaced passes. I wasn’t happy with the first half. We showed no passion, we wanted to win the game by playing pretty stuff. We were too static, there wasn’t enough movement, our body language gave off all the wrong signals. The second half was OK. We got up and at them in the second half, there was a lot more passion about us. We tried everything, we put them under a lot more pressure, there was much more action in the box, but we failed to take our chances. Duisburg deserved their point, we have to grit our teeth and wave goodbye to two points.“

Martin Demichelis: “Obviously, we weren’t happy in the dressing room afterwards. We’ve thrown away two points. I’ve not kept count, but we must have had ten decent chances. We gave it our best shot and tried everything we knew, but it was one of those days when it wouldn’t go in.“

Rudi Bommer (Duisburg coach): “I want to praise my team for the way they battled and worked after we went down to ten men. We had nothing to lose, the pressure was all on Bayern. We skilfully denied them space, we fought for every inch of ground throughout the match, and we counter-attacked well. We were very lucky in one or two situations, but you need that if you’re going to take anything away from here. We were well worth our point. The red card obviously leaves a bitter taste, as it nearly cost us a point.“