Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac recently opened up about his turbulent first half-season in Bavaria, promising improvement after the winter break.
For the first time in many seasons, Bayern Munich head into the winter break second in the Bundesliga table, trailing league leaders Borussia Dortmund by six points. Niko Kovac and Co. were further behind in the German top flight, but a recent run of good performances saw them close the gap on their modern rivals.
Kovac hasn’t enjoyed the best start to life since taking over the reins as Bayern coach over the summer. His inaugural season in Bavaria started on a high note but quickly tumbled down. Many were even calling for his sacking midway through the Hinrunde.
The Croatian stuck with it, however, ignoring his critics and focusing only on getting the best out of his players. Bayern Munich eventually broke through their rut and ended 2018 on a positive note. All the issues have not been resolved, but the Bavarians are certainly trending in the right direction.
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In a recent interview (via Bayern’s official website), Kovac promised that his men will give everything they have to overtake Borrussia Dortmund in the second half of the season and will continue to fight hard not only in the Bundesliga but also in the Champions League and DFB Pokal.
"“I feel we’re the FC Bayern from the start of the season again, that we’ve restored our ease and confidence – and that the lads are fired up to give it everything and put up a fierce fight against Borussia Dortmund.“We’ll work hard, we won’t let anything or anyone knock us out of our stride, and we’ll do everything to be successful. We want to celebrate with the fans at the end of the second half of the season.”"
Bayern certainly have some work to do if they want to win the Bundesliga for the seventh consecutive season. However, Dortmund’s six point lead is far from insurmountable for Die Roten.
They’ll perhaps be much more concerned with their Champions League round of 16 tie against Liverpool. It will prove a stern test for the Bavarians, who have otherwise looked reasonably good in Europe so far this season.
Beyond addressing his team’s aspirations for the second half of the season, Kovac also reflected on his difficult first six months in the Bavarian capital. He emphasized, though, that he has learned from his hardships and will only allow them to make him a better coach.