Julian Nagelsmann's answers to media questions at his post-match press conference on Saturday evening were conspicuously short and to the point. It was another clear indication that the FC Bayern head coach has - to put it mildly - been in better moods.
"I always want to win, that's why I'm tense," he explained to those present. In his opinion, the 1-1 draw with Union Berlin was "what both teams deserved" - not that anyone in the FCB camp was happy with the result.
Chances not taken
Time and again, the record champions attacked the Union goal, but too often the well-drilled Berliners managed to keep Bayern at bay. Union are now unbeaten in 12 Bundesliga games. Thomas Müller was not alone when he observed: "It's not by chance that they're right up there in league."
It quickly became apparent why Bayern could not add to Joshua Kimmich's goal (15'), which had cancelled out Sheraldo Becker's opener (12'). The post-match consensus was that, despite presentable opportunities, Bayern lacked that added bit of energy needed for the win.
"We were closer to winning [than Union], especially in the second half. Unfortunately, our energy levels weren't at the same level as the last game, but that happens. Union defended with real heart. In the first half we had two huge chances, in the second half we had two great chances that we didn't take," Nagelsmann noted.
Fighting spirit on show
What was very pleasing, though, was how FCB's players fought. Marcel Sabitzer, who held his own in midfield, is a case in point. He won seven of his 14 duels, won four of eight aerial duels and made nine interceptions. Statistically, Matthijs de Ligt and Benjamin Pavard also excelled defensively.
However, like their teammates, they were thwarted by Union's "iron" defensive block. "Too often we lacked that incisive final pass. That's why we drew," observed Müller. "You don't get anything for free. We played well enough, but it wasn't a game we can be satisfied with, and the opposition played a part in that."
Focus now turns to Inter
On Wednesday, Bayern play Inter Milan. First, the focus is on recuperating and recharging the batteries so that energy levels are where they should be. Then FCB can focus on the start of their Champions League campaign.
De Ligt, who arrived in the summer from Inter's Serie A rivals Juventus, said: "They're a difficult team for us to play. Inter are a team with a lot of experience, they have very physical players. They always play the same way, in a 3-5-2, with two strikers. We have to do our best to come away from the game with a good result."
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