Julian Nagelsmann Rules Out Bayern Munich's Great Record Against Barcelona

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann. (Photo: Twitter @FCBayern)

JAKARTA - Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann does not want his team to be carried away by a good record against Barcelona when they prepare to face off in the 2022/2023 European Champions League group stage.

Die Roten will act as hosts for Barcelona on the second matchday of Group C at the Allianz Arena, Wednesday, September 14 in the morning WIB. On paper, the statistics are in favor of the German giants, especially in the last eight clashes.

However, Nagelsmann put aside the slick record they have. He thinks Barcelona is different now, especially since having Robert Lewandowski who moved from Munich to Barca this summer.

"I have told my team that this is a new challenge because they have new players taking on important roles, including Lewandowski", said Nagelsmann, reported by Football Espana.

If you look at the last eight meetings between the two teams, Die Roten is very favored. The reason is, that they have won seven times and Barcelona has only won once.

Four of the seven wins were even recorded by FC Hollywood in the four most recent meetings. That includes two wins last season with the same scoreline 0-3 home-away in the same competition and phase.

However, Barcelona now looks much more ready after bringing in several names in the transfer window last summer. They are expected to get past the group stage after last season failed to do so.

"The impression from our last four meetings against them doesn't count, this is a completely different team. They have young players to watch out for like Pedri and Gavi. Xavi is doing a great job and he will be a tough opponent", said Nagelsmann.

The duel between Barcelona and Bayern is one of the key duels in this group. Both are favorites to finish the group stage as champions and runners-up.

These two teams also got convincing results in the first match of the group phase after both brought home the victory. Bayern bends Inter Milan, while Barcelona destroys Viktoria Plzen.