Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping that third time is the charm as his side prepare for a tantalising friendly clash with fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
The German champions played out a 2-2 draw with Ajax over the weekend, while Monchengladbach claimed a 1-0 win over Ligue 1 outfit Metz.
Match preview
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Still seeking his first win at the Bavarian helm since replacing serial winner Hansi Flick, rookie manager Nagelsmann has overseen back-to-back goal-fests in pre-season, with his side recovering from a 3-2 defeat to Koln to draw 2-2 with Eredivisie top dogs Ajax on Saturday.
It took all of 10 minutes for Zakaria Labyad to open the scoring for Ajax before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Tanguy Nianzou propelled Bayern into the ascendancy, but Victor Jensen equalised for the Dutch side a mere two minutes after Nianzou had put Bayern ahead as a pulsating encounter ended with the spoils shared.
However, the tie might best be remembered for Joshua Zirkzee's most embarrassing moment of his fledgling career, as he simply had to tap the ball into an empty net after rounding Remko Pasveer, but he dilly-dallied and allowed Perr Schuurs to poke the ball behind for a corner.
Nagelsmann did not sugar-coat his words after the final whistle - warning Zirkzee that he must display a greater edge of "seriousness" when competitive matches kick off - but the positive signs were there for a Bayern squad still missing their Euros stars.
A final friendly battle with Napoli awaits for Bayern before their 2021-22 campaign officially begins with a DFB-Pokal tie versus Bremer SV, and a full-strength Bayern side under the tutelage of Nagelsmann is not to be taken lightly.
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Similarly, Borussia Monchengladbach were also awaiting their first triumph after two games in new leadership in Adi Hutter, whom the torch was passed to from Marco Rose after the hotseat at Borussia Dortmund came calling his name.
It would prove to be third time lucky for the former Eintracht Frankfurt coach when Metz made the journey to Fohlenplatz at the weekend, as Ireland Under-21 international Conor Noss netted in the 87th minute after Hutter made no fewer than 11 half-time substitutions.
While one up-and-coming striker in Zirkzee was making headlines for all the wrong reasons last weekend, Dusseldorf-born Noss sought to prove his worth to the new manager, and the 20-year-old has his sights set on competitive first-team opportunities after extending his deal to 2024 earlier this month.
Hutter will have one final warm-up game against Dutch side FC Groningen before their DFB-Pokal opener against Kaiserslautern on August 9, and there is already optimism from those inside the Monchengladbach camp that the 51-year-old's quest to bring European football back to the club will prove successful.
Bayern have made a habit of winning one then losing one against Monchengladbach during recent Bundesliga seasons, but the German champions hit their upcoming opponents for six during a resounding 6-0 win two months ago.
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Team News
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Bayern's stalwarts such as Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Lucas Hernandez, Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are still recovering from their Euros exploits, but Serge Gnabry has now reported back for pre-season training.
A plethora of talented youngsters are taking advantage of the seniors' absence in pre-season, with the likes of Bouna Sarr and Omar Richards earning plaudits for their summer performances.
Nagelsmann will once again make sure that almost all of his contingent enjoy some minutes this week, while the likes of Jamie Lawrence and Bright Arrey-Mbi will be pushing for starting berths.
Monchengladbach's injury woes continue to pile up, as Alassane Plea's half-time change against Metz was due to a knee problem, while Breel Embolo, Ramy Bensebaini and Kouadio Kone keep the Frenchman company in the treatment room.
However, attacking veteran Lars Stindl could overcome a ligament injury in time to face Groningen, but this game will also come too soon for the Monchengladbach captain.
The visitors' Swiss Euros stars Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi and Denis Zakaria are enjoying extended breaks following their summer exertions, but the latter is confirmed to be seeking a move away from the club.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Hoffmann; Stanisic, Upamecano, Arrey-Mbi, Richards; Booth, Rhein; Scott, Sieb, Choupo-Moting; Zirkzee
Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Kersken; Lainer, Beyer, Jantschke; Scally, Kramer, Reitz, Benes; Hermann, Noss, Bennetts
We say: Bayern Munich 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
Monchengladbach have often followed up a defeat against Bayern by successfully gaining revenge the next time around, and several of Hutter's starlets will have no better opportunity to prove themselves this week.
With Nagelsmann's side still having to make do without the bulk of their title-winning side from last season, we expect the 34-year-old's wait for a maiden win to continue here.
Ben Knapton
