Kovac rebukes Rafinha after criticism

Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac has hit back at Rafinha’s criticism of him, insisting that “nobody can stand over the club and be critical of the coach”.

Defender Rafinha has made six starts in the Bundesliga since Kovac took charge, but only one of those has come in 2019.

Speaking after Bayern’s 1-0 home win against Hertha Berlin on Saturday, in which he was an unused substitute, Rafinha said: “I do my work and train well, but the coach does not count on me.”

Kovac has revealed that the 33-year-old has since apologised for his remarks and warned other Bayern players against criticising him in future.

“Nobody can stand over the club and be so critical about the coach,” he told a media conference ahead of Bayern’s visit to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. “That goes for everyone else too. 

“In the emotion you say things that you regret the next day. We have spoken and he has apologised in front of the team for his statements.”

 #Kovac: “Maybe we could finish off with a sing-song? I would like to wish Sepp #Maier a happy 75th birthday on behalf of the whole team.” #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/CsTGSFNM4C

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 28, 2019

Bayern have won 10 of their past 11 Bundesliga games to move within just three points of leaders Borussia Dortmund.

They travel to Monchengladbach without Franck Ribery, though, who is suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, while there are concerns over Manuel Neuer, who missed training on Thursday with the flu.

Kovac, however, insists injuries and illnesses will not derail Bayern as they bid to win a seventh consecutive Bundesliga title.

“We are at the business end now,” he added. “We won’t let the injuries get the better of us.

“We need all three points, even though it will be a difficult game.”