Bayern to start postAncelotti era at Hertha
BERLIN: Bayern Munich will begin life after Carlo Ancelotti this weekend, as interim coach Willy Sagnol takes the reins ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Hertha Berlin.
The Bundesliga champions were humiliated in a 3-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the club reacted immediately by sacking Ancelotti on Thursday.
After losing 2-0 away to Hoffenheim and throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Wolfsburg, even Bayern’s Bundesliga form has been far from their usual dominance in recent weeks.
With the club stranded in third place behind Hoffenheim and leaders Borussia Dortmund, rumours of growing disharmony in the dressing room had only increased the pressure on Ancelotti.
Facing criticism from the fans and the media for his failure to accomodate Thomas Mueller, Ancelotti’s relationship with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery was also reported to be under strain.
As Sagnol takes over for the time being, Bayern will be looking to reboot their season when they travel to Berlin. Here are five things to look out for in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Ancelotti was heavily criticised for his team selection against PSG, and Mats Hummels, Robben, Ribery and Jerome Boateng can expect to return to the starting lineup against Hertha.
“I expect a positive development from the team, and an absolute desire to perform,” said club chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after Ancelotti’s dismissal.
After the result in Paris, nothing but a win will be acceptable for the Bayern hierarchy in Berlin.
Hertha rested several key players for their Europa League clash with Ostersund, and the likes of Karim Rekik, Rune Jarstein, Marvin Plattenhardt and Mathew Leckie are expected to return against Bayern.
Victory away to Augsburg today would keep Borussia Dortmund on top of the Bundesliga, and history speaks in favour of Peter Bosz’s side. Dortmund have never lost in Augsburg, while star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored eight goals against them over the years, including a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut back in 2013.
Moenchengladbach v Hanover 96, Eintracht Frankfurt v Stuttgart, Augsburg v Dortmund, Wolfsburg v Mainz, Hamburg v Werder Bremen.
Freiburg v Hoffenheim, Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich, Cologne v Leipzig, AFP