Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer pleased with approach against Union Berlin

There was a relief for Bayern Munich fans on Saturday when Thomas Muller hammered the fifth goal against Union Berlin to seal 5-2 victory in the Bundesliga. Die Roten was not at their best, but they needed the victory badly after the 5-0 trouncing at the hands of Borussia Monchengladbach in DFB Pokal on Wednesday.

Rekordmeister did play better in all departments on Sunday compared to Wednesday’s performance at Borussia Park. The attacking players linked up better in the final third, while the defensive unit was good at shutting down the counter-attack.

Apart from good individual and collective performance, Rekordmeister needed to start quickly against Union Berlin. They looked lethargic in the first 30 minutes against Borussia Monchengladbach, which ultimately did cost them the game as the home side raced away to a 3-0 lead during this period.

On Saturday, Rekordmeister managed to get a two-goal lead inside 25 minutes. Robert Lewandowski scored both goals and set the tone for the game for the visitors. While talking to the media after the game (via TZ), club captain Manuel Neuer emphasized on the need for a fast start to the game.

"“Today we got the start we wanted before the game. The goals we conceded are of course annoying. But overall, we’re satisfied that we have now shown a different face.”"

Julian Nagelsmann has to make sure that starting games strongly become a regularity for the current team. The squad does have a strong mentality to come back in games but being on the front foot gives a much better chance of winning the game. Getting a good start becomes particularly crucial in the knockout games of the cup competitions.

Apart from fast starts, Die Roten also needs to arrest lapses of concentration at the back. The team has grown well under Nagelsmann in the last two months, but they still have a lot to become a solid and miser defensive unit that goes on a long run of clean sheets.

The defending Bundesliga champions will now turn their attention to the Champions League. Nagelsmann’s men will be hosting Benfica on Tuesday. A victory next week will mean that Rekordmeister will qualify for the next round of the competitions. The early qualification will also allow Nagelsmann to rotate the team in the last two group games.

Lucas Hernandez is an early doubt for the game against Benfica. The French defender suffered a knock against Union Berlin. He was substituted by Dayot Upamecano later in the game. Apart from Hernandez, Sven Ulreich and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are likely to miss the game against the Portuguese club.