Three days before the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Arsenal, FC Bayern suffered another setback in the Bundesliga as coach Thomas Tuchel's team lost 3-2 away at 1. FC Heidenheim.
Bayern had set their sights high for the dress rehearsal to their match in Europe’s premier club competition and initially realised their ambitions. FCB dominated the game in the first half and deservedly led 2-0 at half time after goals from Harry Kane (38') and Serge Gnabry (45'). "We had everything under control," said FCB coach Tuchel. After the break, however, not much went right for Bayern. "We struggled to keep our concentration level up," continued Tuchel. Two goals in rapid succession from Kevin Sessa (50') and Tim Kleindienst (51') allowed Heidenheim to equalise. In the 79th minute, the top-flight newcomers team took the lead, with Kleindienst bagging his brace.
Bayern were understandably disappointed after their second defeat in a row. Conceding three goals in one half in Heidenheim after leading 2-0 can't be our standard," said sporting director Christoph Freund. "As a team, we have to scrutinise ourselves. We have to make sure that we don't produce similar performances."
The Bavarians do not have much time to dwell on the loss, facing Arsenal on Tuesday evening. At the Emirates Stadium, the aim is to show a different face over 90 minutes and to create the best possible starting position for the second leg at home at the Allianz Arena on 17 April. "We're playing a very important game on Tuesday. Everyone has to examine themselves. It's bitter and really disappointing, but we now have to build our energy up again before Tuesday. We all know that we can do things differently than today, and must," added Freund.
"With my many years of experience, I'm already in fighting mode for Tuesday. It's no good us picking on each other," said Thomas Müller, who made his 700th competitive appearance for FC Bayern in Heidenheim. "We'll give it our all on Tuesday," promised the number 25.
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