The draw conceded by Bayern Munich on the pitch of the Norwegians FC Viking (3-3) leaves a very bitter taste in Bavaria. While the German giant had managed the feat of reversing a compromised situation – trailing 2-0 before taking a 3-2 advantage – the expulsion of Michael Olise changed everything. The bloodshed of which French was guilty was therefore very badly perceived.l
Already warned for an anti-playing foul on Henrik Heggheim, the French international (29 caps, 11 goals) fell headfirst into the provocation orchestrated by the opposing captain, Zlatko Tripic. With his nerves on edge, Michael Olise responded by throwing the ball in the face of the Norwegian number 10, under the watchful gaze of Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov. The latter did not hesitate to brandish a second yellow card, synonymous with expulsion.
“He must assume his responsibilities”
Reduced to ten, the Bavarians ended up giving in. In added time, a final offensive led by the same Tripic allowed Herman Haugen to equalize, depriving Bayern of a success that was waiting for them. In the mixed zone, the bitterness of the Bavarian executives was palpable. Author of a double which should have given his team victory, Harry Kane was not afraid to reframe his teammate at the microphone of Amazon Prime Video.
“The red card is a game changer. He must take responsibility and learn from his mistake. It’s a shame, because an important Champions League match is coming soon. He will also be disappointed to miss it. It’s football, sometimes, and mistakes happen,” denounced the English striker. A lucid observation to which is added the bitterness of missing the upcoming clash against Arsenal. Full-back Konrad Laimer also deplored this loss of composure in the face of the trap set by FC Viking.
“We allowed ourselves to be provoked into this situation, and it obviously didn’t help us. Even if we play better with ten, he lamented. For his part, coach Vincent Kompany described this gesture as“huge stupidity”while trying to calm the spirits. If he reminded his attacker that Tripic had shown up “smarter” At the time, the Belgian technician especially hopes that this episode will serve as an accelerated learning experience for his player.
“You can see in his eyes that he regrets his action. But these things happen. It’s not a finale, but these moments are crucial in a season. I hope we can learn from this,” he said. Deprived of Olise for the crucial reception of the Gunners, Bayern Munich is today measuring the price of a moment of confusion which could – and should – have been avoided.
