Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac has indicated that some of his players were faking injuries in order to run down the clock in Tuesday's Champions League match against Liverpool.
The Bavarians played out a 0-0 draw in the round of 16 first-leg tie at Anfield. Late into the match Liverpool were pushing for a goal but despite the constant pressure put on the visitors, Bayern's defence held strong and in the end, kept the clean sheet.
Man of the match:
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 19, 2019
Javi Martínez:
51 touches
3 aerial duels won
2 key passes
2 tackles
5 interceptions
3 clearances
9/16 duels won
7.7/10 rating
[WS] pic.twitter.com/EJw7LAhHrX
The manager cited cramps to Javi Martinez and Kingsley Coman were not entirely present and praised the experience of both players. Kovac claimed:
"We also had the King (Kingsley Coman), who suddenly had a cramp, but it was not one."
It's not often a manager openly comes out and speaks on his team's time-wasting tactics, but Kovac didn't shy away from the conversation. Bayern
Bayern are set to play Hertha, Monchengladbach, and Wolfsburg in the coming weeks before the crucial return leg with Liverpool at the Allianz Stadium on 13 March.
Source : 90min