Julian Nagelsmann believes Bayern Munich must improve their attitude if they want to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga.
Joshua Kimmich’s 90th-minute equalizer was enough to earn a point at home to Cologne on Tuesday, but the result saw Bayern draw their second consecutive 1-1 draw after failing to beat them last week. RB Leipzig.
Their shaky form after returning from an extended break mid-season in the Bundesliga has given hope to title contenders like Union Berlin and Leipzig, the former in second place and just three points behind Nagelsmann’s side at the top.
As Bayern look to win their 11th title in a row, Nagelsmann has indicated that his team needs to improve their thinking ahead of the rest of the season.
Asked if he had any questions about the Bayern mentality, Nagelsmann told reporters: “I often talk about it with our team psychologist. It is always a strong word.
“The atmosphere is the same as at Bayern when you don’t win. Not restless, but not super happy either.
“Each of our players is a great talent and a great footballer. They also have great desire and great will. You just need to get back to those things.
“Then we have more quality than other teams in the Bundesliga and in Europe.
“But for me, it’s not about mentality, it’s about attitude and a better attitude.”
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Nagelsmann has revealed that Serge Gnabry will not play against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday after the winger was trapped at half-time in a draw against Cologne.
The former Arsenal player has already caused a stir when he used the day off to attend Paris Fashion Week ahead of a poor performance on Tuesday, with his replacement Kingsley Coman making four key passes after his entry to tie the game.
Nagelsmann says the French international will start against Frankfurt: “Gnabry had a chance to prove himself against Cologne. I don’t want to raise tabloid issues so highly. He did not take his chance in Cologne.
“We had a good conversation and I explained to him that his replacement was only for sporting reasons.
“We had a good man on the bench in Kingsley Coman against Cologne who starts tomorrow.”
Leon Goretzka was also sent off at half-time against FC Cologne, although his suspension was due to injury concerns, and Nagelsmann confirmed the midfielder would not play on Saturday after having to leave training early on Thursday.
“Leon will not be,” Nagelsmann said. “He has nerve problems on his inner thighs. He will probably be able to play again on Wednesday. [against Mainz in the DFB-Pokal].
“Unfortunately Leon continues to be in pain and that will not change. He invests a lot. I support him and we talk often.”
