'LIKE A BAD FILM'

Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac on brink of sack after ‘slapstick’ defending

German giants managed to blow a two-goal lead with just 13 minutes remaining at home to relegation-threatened Fortuna to pile more pressure on the new boss

Joshua Jones

Published: 8:10, 25 Nov 2018
Updated: 8:11, 25 Nov 2018

Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac is on the brink of the sack after another poor result

BAYERN MUNICH manager Niko Kovac is on the brink of the sack after another poor result for his side.

The German champions led relegation-threatened Fortuna 3-1 with just 13 minutes to play thanks to Niklas Sule's opener and a double from Thomas Muller.

Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac is on the brink of the sack after another poor result — Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac is on the brink of the sack after another poor resultCredit: AFP or licensors

His side looked to be in cruise control but conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 with Fortuna — His side looked to be in cruise control but conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 with FortunaCredit: EPA

But Dodi Lukebakio scored his side's second after 77 minutes and completed his hat-trick in the third minute of injury time to snatch a point.

It means the reigning Bundesliga champions are fifth in the league and trail unbeaten leaders Borussia Dortmund by nine points after just 12 games.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka, like Kovac, joined Bayern Munich in the summer but could barely believe his eyes.

He said: "That's surreal. I feel like I'm in a bad movie."

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And Bayern president Uli Hoeness - who gave Kovac the dreaded vote of confidence last month - told discussions need to be had with Kovac over his future in charge and the state of the defence.

Hoeness said: "Today is a tough day for us. There is a need for discussion internally.

"What I've seen on the first goal, I know only from slapstick movies."

Bayern are without a league win since October 20 but Kovac's saving grace so far has been the Champions League.

Dodi Lukebakio celebrates his hat-trick goal which rescued a point for the relegation-threatened side — Dodi Lukebakio celebrates his hat-trick goal which rescued a point for the relegation-threatened sideCredit: EPA

Kovac is under pressure with his side now nine points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund — Kovac is under pressure with his side now nine points behind leaders Borussia DortmundCredit: EPA

His side top Group E, unbeaten from four games, ahead of Ajax, Benfica and AEK Athens.

And they welcome the Portuguese club to Bavaria on Tuesday night for what could be the Croat's last game in charge despite only taking the reins in July on a three-year contract.

Hoeness added: "On Tuesday our coach will certainly be Niko Kovac."

But whether he is in the dugout for the trip to Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon remains to be seen.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness was in attendance at the Allianz Arena yesterday — Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness was in attendance at the Allianz Arena yesterdayCredit: Getty - Contributor

Hoeness insists internal talks must be held with Kovac whose future is in serious doubt despite only taking over in the summer — Hoeness insists internal talks must be held with Kovac whose future is in serious doubt despite only taking over in the summerCredit: EPA

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A win is an absolute necessity on Tuesday and it may keep the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss in charge for another week.

But he must inspire a major turnaround if he wants to be at the Allianz Arena for much longer.

Topics

Bayern Munich