Hoops beware – Bayern are ‘almost perfect’
Bayern Munich handed Celtic a goalscoring warning ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game with a 5-0 win over Freiburg.
The Bundesliga giants had been struggling recently by their high standards and that led to the 72-year-old Jupp Heynckes replacing Carlo Ancelotti, Heynckes returning for his fourth spell as manager.
And his return saw Bayern romp to a one-sided victory over relegation candidates Freiburg thanks to goals from Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, Thiago, Joshua Kimmich and, of course, Robert Lewandowski.
However, Bayern suffered an injury blow after midfielder Javi Martinez suffered a shoulder injury and he is almost certainly out of the midweek game.
Munich skipper Thomas Muller was thrilled with his side’s display.
He said: “We wanted to put on a great performance in front of our fans. There is no perfect game in football, but today it was close.
“The change of manager is important, but as players we also have to improve.
“It was very good, but we keep our feet on the ground and prepare for the game against Celtic.”
And Heynckes warned his players he wants more of the same. He said: “This is a positive start for us after a difficult few weeks.
“We have made a good game over long periods, but we have also allowed Freiburg three chances in the first half.
“We must be safer, more compact and cannot lose the ball when we are all going forward.
“Javier Martinez had to be taken off after an injury and that’s a concern. We don’t know yet how bad it is. He’s a tough boy and never usually asks to come off.”
Although Bayern dominated the game, Celtic will be encouraged by the chances created by Freiburg.
On-loan Liverpool kid Ryan Kent – who Brendan Rodgers had at Celtic and was linked with a summer loan move to Parkhead – had two decent chances when he forced a save off Sven Ulreich before Mike Frantz headed wide in front of goal.
But Bayern look like they are finding form at just the wrong time for the Hoops.