Van Gaal’s canny nose, Klose’s deadly head

Just after Miroslav Klose deftly headed home Philipp Lahm’s precise cross for the all-important equaliser against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Louis van Gaal demonstratively drew attention to his nose. The Bayern boss twice tapped the organ in question with his right index finger, before turning to face the Bayern dugout and pointing to his nose twice more.

Van Gaal’s canny nose and Klose’s outstanding heading ability secured Bayern a crucial point in front of the capacity crowd at Borussia Park. Instead of following his usual practice and sending on Mario Gomez as his first substitute striker, the Bayern coach plumped for Klose. His instincts proved entirely correct. “I have a wonderful nose,” commented Van Gaal after another astute substitution, leading to Bayern’s ninth goal from a replacement player this term.