What an unbelievable showdown in FC Bayern’s final home game of 2019! With two late goals the record champions emerged 2-0 winners in a tough game against Wolfsburg and celebrated their third Bundesliga win in eight days. Just like the 3-1 win at Freiburg three days earlier, when the Munich side wrapped up victory in the final stages of the game, success was a testament to their mentality. “I’m very proud of the team for showing their determination again,” said Hansi Flick in praise of his team.
Reaction to win against Wolfsburg: Hansi Flick delighted by his team’s performance.
Once again, Bayern were successful in mobilising all of their strengths against the Wolves. The hosts at the Allianz Arena struggled to create good chances for much of the game against the best defence in the league. But Flick’s team didn’t give up, and they “believed in the win till the end,” explained the coach after the final whistle. Bayern sealed victory late in the game. “We gave everything,” said a delighted Manuel Neuer afterwards, “and we gave ourselves a Christmas present.”
Bayern again strike twice in the final moments
The win was a relief, especially as the long run of midweek games means Bayern “aren't really at full power,” analysed the coach. Flick had a mere eleven outfield players from the senior squad available for selection against Wolfsburg. After Javi Martìnez suffered an injury just before half-time, the situation remained tense till the end. “Especially for recent games, we've not had all our players available,” stressed Joshua Kimmich, who was happy that Bayern “still had the right guys to decide the game.”
Late goal specialists: Bayern’s new last-gasp duo Joshua Zirkzee and Serge Gnabry fired the Reds to victory again against Wolfsburg.
It was clear which players the 24-year-old was talking about. Just like in Freiburg, the 18-year-old sub Joshua Zirkzee put FCB ahead moments after coming on in the 85th minute: again, it was his first action on the ball – and again, Serge Gnabry scored to wrap up the victory shortly afterwards. Captain Manuel Neuer’s description of the late win as a “victory built on determination,” underlined the similarity to the midweek proceedings.
Hansi Flick to stay on for the season
“We’re growing together as a team and we’ve rewarded ourselves with the three points today,” judged Flick. Bayern will spend the winter break in third place in the table. Leaders RB Leipzig are four points ahead, “but within touching distance” according to Joshua Kimmich. The current champions want to carry their momentum into the new year and push on in the title race: “We’re motivated for the second half of the season,” said Neuer in fighting spirit: “We’re a team our opponents can be afraid of again.”
The FC Bayern board displayed their trust in Hansi Flick after his successful work so far.
On Sunday it was confirmed that Hansi Flick will continue to coach Bayern till the end of the season at least. In a joint discussion, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić expressed their continuing support to the 54-year-old. During the winter break “we’ll recharge our batteries,” and then “try to bring as many titles as possible back to Munich,” declared Flick.
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