Nagelsmann: Bayern made Mainz win difficult for themselves

Julian Nagelsmann felt Bayern Munich made life difficult for themselves after the reigning Bundesliga champions defeated Mainz on Saturday.

Bayern fell behind to Karim Onisiwo’s first-half strike before Kingsley Coman levelled things up at the Allianz Arena.

Jamal Musiala then delivered the decisive strike to help Nagelsmann to his 100th win as a manager in the Bundesliga.

At just 34 years and 141 days old, Nagelsmann is the youngest coach in the history of the German top flight to reach the 100-win milestone, with his first and his 100th victories both coming against Mainz.

But the former RB Leipzig head coach was disappointed with Bayern’s first-half performance as he felt his side caused their own problems, though he was satisfied with their response in the next 45 minutes.

“The win was tough because Mainz are doing very well this season,” Nagelsmann told reporters. “But we rather made it difficult for ourselves. We started well, I had a great feeling – suddenly the momentum was gone and we played very slowly.

“In the second half we were really sharp and put in a lot of power and intensity from the first to the 88th minute. That was a very good reaction by the team.”

34y 141d– At just 34 years and 141 days old, Julian Nagelsmann is the youngest coach in the history of the German Bundesliga to win 100 games in the competition. His first and his 100th win both came against 1. FSV Mainz 05. Generation. #FCBM05 pic.twitter.com/qAP52jXSSj

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 11, 2021

Nagelsmann also reserved special praise for Jamal Musiala, who operated in a deeper midfield role in the absence of Joshua Kimmich.

Musiala scored from his one effort on target and also attempted 10 dribbles, a tally only bettered by team-mate Kingsley Coman (12).

“He’s left his ‘Bambi’ status,” Nagelsmann added on the versatile Musiala. “At some point you grow out of your talent status. 

“He should keep this street football gene, but he doesn’t have to become Gennaro Gattuso. Defensively, it’s all about being reliable.”

Leaders Bayern move six points clear after Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by Bochum, while Nagelsmann’s side next travel to Stuttgart on Tuesday.