Bayern Munich must bounce back from Friday’s Bundesliga defeat to Hertha Berlin by starting a new winning run against Ajax in the Champions League, Arjen Robben has said.
The 2-0 defeat at Hertha came three days after Augsburg had held Bayern to a draw at the Allianz Arena, ending their run of seven straight wins in all competitions.
And Robben urged his teammates to put those setbacks behind them at home to the Dutch side.
“Augsburg and Hertha were efficient. We had enough chances but were not able to score more goals,” he said.
“Let’s not make it more difficult than it is. We must not be talked into believing we are in a crisis. If we win the next two games [against Ajax and Borussia Monchengladbach], things will look different again. We must start a new winning streak from tomorrow.”
Bayern recorded a total of 39 shots in their last two domestic matches, but only 12 were on target and coach Niko Kovac said they had to show more ruthlessness.
“It’s not like it’s that bad we must question everything now,” he said. “Our aspiration is to win the next two matches. We are calculated optimists and realists, and I can already say that we won’t lose the next 10 matches in a row.
“I’ve been here for round about three months, and we’ve been practicing shots regularly. Sometimes, I’d wish for the ball just to get that over that line, but we have the quality and I trust my lads.”
Bayern won their first Champions League match of the season against Benfica in Lisbon a fortnight ago and could take a major step towards the knockout stages with a win over Ajax.
With Leon Goretzka returning, Kovac has everyone except long-term absentees Corentin Tolisso, Serge Gnabry and Rafinha available for selection.