Bayern have trouble playing in the Bundesliga, Kovac admits

MUNICH: Niko Kovac admitted that Bayern Munich were struggling to play in the Bundesliga after his team eliminated the sad national squad with a five-goal lead in the Champions League.

"It seems strange, but when we play in the Champions League or against the big names of the Bundesliga, you can see that the team can do it," Kovac said after Tuesday's 5-1 defeat against Benfica, confirming Bayern's place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"However, when we play against so-called small teams, we may think that it's okay to play mid-strength.

"These are the points (of the league) we are missing for the moment," he added.

Bayern have taken only eight points out of a possible 21 points in their last seven Bundesliga matches.

However, against Benfica, Arjen Robben scored two great goals before Robert Lewandowski scored with two heads and Franck Ribery scored his first league goal in three years in a gala show.

The lamentable defense has cost Bayern so much in recent weeks as Benfica scored in the counterattack when submarine Gedson Fernandes scored 48 seconds after stepping off the bench.

Bayern have four wins and one draw to qualify for the last round of the Champions League, but their progress in Europe contrasts sharply with their national form.

The defending champions of the Bundesliga rank fifth in the German rankings. The leader, Borussia Dortmund, has nine points ahead of their hopes of winning a seventh consecutive league title.

Benfica's defeat, three days after a 3 to 3 draw against Dusseldorf, has actually saved Kovac's head coaching position, but another bad performance on Saturday at Werder Bremen will put him at risk.

German media have already announced that the former president of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, would be the main candidate for his succession, which denies Bayern.

"No – 100%, no," said sports director Hasan Salihamidzic, who said there was no discussion about replacing Kovac after Saturday's draw.

"Of course, we talked about the situation, but not another coach.The victory speaks for itself, the team gave the right answer on the pitch."

Robben, who is part of a quartet of senior players – with Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery and Mats Hummels – who, according to Kicker magazine, does not support Kovac, said he is delighted that the victory has eased his coach.

"It is normal for the coach to be criticized, we win together and we lose together – it's one of ours," Robben said.

Kovac hugged Ribery after his goal, but later acknowledged that Kicker had reported rebels in his locker room.

"I'll say it like that, they talk about four players who are against me, but not those who are on my side, because there are many," said Kovac.

"It's pretty clear and we're on the right track.

"Franck is very diligent, he does a lot, plays a lot for his teammates and has earned praise."