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'It's possible games won't run smoothly' - Nagelsmann admits Bayern Munich problems remain after Gladbach friendly loss
The Bundesliga champions were beaten 2-0 at home by domestic rivals and their new manager says he is still ironing out several issues
Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann admits the club could have a slow start to the 2021-22 league campaign after they suffered another pre-season friendly defeat, this time at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Bundesliga champions were defeated 2-0 by their domestic rivals to continue their underwhelming start to life under new manager Nagelsmann, who succeeded Hansi Flick at the end of the last campaign.
Nagelsmann admits turbulent recent months - with several players having been involved in international tournaments, plus the continuing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - means things will not instantly fall into place once the Bundesliga season starts in two weeks.
What has been said?
Nagelsmann told his post-match press conference: "We don't have much time and we'll have to continue to develop through the league and competitive matches. So it's possible that one or two games won't run very smoothly at the beginning of the season.
"We are not the only club with this problems. Borussia Monchengladbach also have about ten international players and - like some other Bundesliga clubs - will need a bit of time."
Bayern's uneven pre-season
The Munich giants have won each of the last nine Bundesliga crowns and will expect to collect No 10 under Nagelsmann, who left league rivals RB Leipzig to succeed new Germany manager Flick in the Allianz Arena hotseat.
However, they have lost two friendlies against domestic opposition - going down 3-2 to Koln on July 17 before losing at home to Gladbach today - either side of a 2-2 draw with Ajax.
It means Nagelsmann has plenty to work on before facing Gladbach again in the Bundesliga opener, on Friday, August 13.
What else has been said?
Several Bayern players have come in for criticism during the friendlies, such as expensive new defensive signing Dayot Upamecano.
Nagelsmann said of Upamecano, who like him moved to Bayern from Leipzig this summer: "The classic role of the boss of the defence is no longer so 'in vogue'. Nowadays, everyone has to speak and coach. Upa is not a 'loudspeaker' and will not become one.
"Nevertheless, he is a leader because of the way he plays, because he wants to defend, because he has power and pace. Today he also played very good opening balls. He will gradually develop into an even bigger leader.
"He also has to arrive first and get to know all his teammates. Then he will also become louder. That was the same in Leipzig. Overall, however, he is a quiet player who does not constantly coach every teammate."
