Niko Kovač praises resilience against Wolfsburg after poor run | OneFootball

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Brendan Doherty·22 October 2018

Niko Kovač praises resilience against Wolfsburg after poor run

Article image:Niko Kovač praises resilience against Wolfsburg after poor run

Niko Kovač has been under pressure since Bayern Munich played four matches without a win. After starting the season with seven consecutive wins, the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager is hoping that Bayern’s 3-1 win over Wolfsburg on Saturday means that team has turned the corner on their troubles.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s win, Bayern’s players applauded their travelling support. With relief on the faces of the players and joy from the supporters, Kovač was finally able to relax a bit after the final whistle.


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“I’d like to thank the team, there was a lot of pressure on this game,” Kovač said after the match.

“My team produced a very committed, brave and focused performance over 90 minutes.”

Poland international forward Robert Lewandowski had gone 595 minutes for Bayern and his national team without scoring before he found the net twice against Wolfsburg.

“The fact Lewy is ice cold in front of goal is one of his key characteristics,” the manager said of his main goal-threat. “We know how important he is to us and we’re happy he’s scored again.”

Despite notching his 18th goal in just his 16th match against Wolfsburg, Lewandowski quickly redirected attention to the team’s win. “It’s probably coincidence. I’m happy when I can score and help the team,” he told the club’s website.

His team-mate Joshua Kimmich was less reserved in his praise for the Polish forward; “Two goals, one assist – I’d say it was a brilliant performance!”

The 23-year-old German right back pointed to the team’s resilience after Arjen Robben was dismissed. “We pick up a more than unlucky red card, then concede to make it 2-1 and nevertheless we continue to play well – even with a man down. It was important we all defended together.”

Kovač also noted the mental toughness on display from his players. “You can see that FC Bayern have footballing qualities as well as battling qualities.”

“We’re on the right track and we need to stick at it,” the manager said as Bayern now prepare to play at AEK Athens in Champions League on Tuesday.