The time has come for the Bavarians Dutch coach. The Germans sacked Louis van Gaal on Monday following their 1-1 draw to FC Nurnberg which breaks Munich’s chances for a place into the 2011-2012 Champions League groups. More exactly, Bayern are fourth, nine points behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen who are the last to join the European competition. But the Bavarians might still have a chance to grab the third spot which could send them into the preliminaries.
Foto Source: doarsport.info
Had they defeated FC Nurnberg, van Gaal’s chair could have been saved and Bayern gone third. Under the Dutch, Munich have won a Bundesliga title in 2010, the German Cup as well as the 2010 Supercup. But Bayern board have lost their patience on Monday and decided to replace the Dutch with his former assistant Andries Jonker. As for Louis van Gaal he had already been announced about his leaving. Thus, his days on Allianz had been numbered.
Van Gaal joined Bayern on July 2009, having led the Bavarians into the UEFA Champions League final in 2010 and into the quarters this season. Unfortunately, Munich lost the 2010 final to Inter Milan and have been ousted by the same Italians last month. So, his honours with Bayern include only German successes. The defending champions have been drawn by Nurnberg in a 1-1 match on EasyCredit stadium.
Bayern had a tremendous start which brought them an early lead through Muller. Munich’s striker opened the score in the fifth minute, but – unfortunately for the Dutch manager – they weren’t able to maintain the result until the final whistle. Nurnberg leveled the score in the 60th minute through Eigler whose goal led to van Gaal’s departure. Following the unexpected draw, Bayern dropped fourth, having won just 52 points in 29 games.
The Bavarians are far from a leader position. Borrusia Dortmund lead the Germans league with 66 points, five above Leverkusen and 13 above Hannover 96. The Nurnberg clash brought at the same time a red card for Arjen Robben who has been cautioned by the referee after the final whistle for complaints over the decisions made. Nurnberg’s goal came as result of Thomas Kraft’s mistake. Keeper’s throw was intercepted by Robert Mak who picked Eigler for a superb lob.
Jonker is to take charge of the team, but he is also expected to leave the Bavarians, or at least the main chair, this summer. Bayern have already announced Louis van Gaal’s replacer. Bayer Leverkusen’s current manager Jupp Heynckes will be charged with the head coach state a few months from now. Coincidently, the two sides meet next Sunday on Allianz Arena. Bayern are condemned to grab the three points, given their loss of ground.
Bayern also meet Schalke 04 at the end of the month in what will be another tough clash. Schalke beat the Bavarians 1-0 on March 2, while Hannover 96 passed Louis van Gaal’s side 3-1 three days later. So, the two defeats must have been crucial for Munich’s sacking decision.
