Julian Nagelsmann claims that Jude Bellingham clouded Bayern Munich’s classic victory against Borussia Dortmund with his costly outburst against the referee.
Bellingham was unhappy after Dortmund were denied two penalties in the action-packed Bundesliga duel on Saturday before Mats Hummels was punished for handball.
Robert Lewandowski converted the resulting penalty to a 3-2 win for Bayern, which led the Dortmund teenager Bellingham to question the integrity of referee Felix Zwayer in his post-game interview.
The England international appeared to be alluding to a six-month ban Zwayer received following a match-fixing scandal in 2005 involving his counterpart Robert Hoyzer.
It was found that Hoyzer had fixed games of the 2nd Bundesliga in the years 2004-05. One of those involved was Zwayer, who worked as an assistant, with the charge that he had accepted a € 300 bribe. Zwayer vigorously denied any such misconduct in the course of this investigation.
Bellingham’s statements are reportedly being examined by the police, while the German Football Association (DFB) has fined the youngster € 40,000.
While the consequences of Bayern’s victory, which was four points ahead of them at the summit, continue, Nagelsmann commented on the referee’s decisions and Bellingham’s remarks.
“These comments have clouded the game a little,” said Bayern head coach Nagelsmann at a press conference ahead of the Champions League game against Barcelona on Wednesday.
“I can understand the discussions. But the incident with Marco Reus could not have resulted in a penalty because it was offside.
“I wouldn’t have complained about the penalty for us if it hadn’t been given. From Dortmund’s point of view, I can understand that.”
FC Bayern are now focused on Barca’s visit to the Allianz Arena, with the game being played behind closed doors due to the rising coronavirus cases in Bavaria.
The German giant has won each of its last three meetings with Barcelona in what is the longest streak of a team to win against Barca in their European Cup and Champions League history.
Nagelsmann’s side have already secured the top spot in Group E, while the visitors may have to win to advance depending on how Benfica fares against Dynamo Kiev.
Although Barcelona have had a difficult time on and off the field lately, Nagelsmann insists that it is only a matter of time before the La Liga heavyweights change things.
“I think they are still an extremely attractive club for players and fans,” said Nagelsmann. “The financial figures are known. When that hovers over you, you become a little inhibited.
“In a successful era, you may get lazy and take too long to make decisions. Then you rarely think about what happens when it goes wrong.
“Spitting out talent was a bit lacking, but that will only come again. You are obviously making ends meet and still have a good squad.
“For me, Frenkie de Jong is one of the best midfielders in the world. You still have world class players. You are under pressure in the table and you have to win. You will do everything to make this a good game.”
Bayern have won all five of their group games, scored a total of 19 goals and conceded three goals.
At home, they have scored five goals in each of their two Champions League games this season and scored at least twice in each of the last eleven home games of the competition.
Bayern will have to do without Leon Goretzka on Wednesday due to an injury, despite the midfielder returning to training while Serge Gnabry is out with an adductor problem.
Although Nagelsmann has little to gain at first glance, he intends to name a strong team against Barca.
“We will play against our best team available,” he said. “Benfica doesn’t have to worry! We’re going for six out of six wins and that’s a worthwhile goal.”
