The upcoming clash against FC Bayern München will clearly be no ordinary friendlyfor the Red Bulls or head coach Martín Demichelis. RB Leipzig and FCB have produced plenty of thrilling encounters in recent years, while Saturday’s game pits last season’s champions against the side that finished third. For Micho, meanwhile, it also means a return to familiar surroundings.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a good test for us and an opportunity to take another step forward with the way we want to play,” said the 45-year-old. Away from the action itself, Micho will also be reunited with plenty of familiar faces on Saturday afternoon.
A special occasion for Martín Demichelis
“I lived there for years, both as a player and a coach. Going back to the Allianz Arena is special,” said Demichelis, who retains a strong connection with FC Bayern. He won four Bundesliga titles and four DFB-Pokals during his time at the club.
Micho moved from Buenos Aires to Munich at the age of 22 and spent the bulk of his playing career there. He later took his first steps in coaching with FC Bayern’s U19s and reserve side.
There will also be a special reunion with Vincent Kompany. Micho spent three years playing alongside the current FC Bayern head coach at Manchester City.
“We had a good relationship. You could already see back then that he was a leader. I’m looking forward to seeing him again and being alongside him on the touchline,” said Micho.
What Micho wants to see against FC Bayern
Demichelis knows not only his opposite number well, but also how FC Bayern like to play. Even so, he has naturally taken a closer look at Saturday’s opponents and last season’s meetings between the sides.
“I watched a few clips, but in football it’s always about the here and now. It’s a different team and a different day. We need to focus on our own strengths,” stressed Micho.
The Red Bulls showed exactly what those strengths can look like in the 2023 Supercup, when aggressive pressing and ruthless finishing helped them to a 3-0 win over FC Bayern at the Allianz Arena.
“I want to see us well organised out of possession, with good pressing and counter-pressing. I also love positional play and having the ball. I hope we can make a huge step forward in those areas,” said our head coach ahead of this weekend’s high-profile friendly.
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