Bayern Munich absolutely refuse to be concerned after three games without victory and rather insist that their game based on dominance will be successful in the long run.
After winning their first six games in all competitions, Bayern drew 1-1 with champions Bayer Leverkusen a week ago, then lost 1-0 at Aston Villa in the Champions League, and on Sunday had to swallow a last gasp 3-3 equalizer at Eintracht Frankfurt.
"Let's stay calm," coach Vincent Kompany said, and veteran forward Thomas added: "If this is a crisis, I'm happy to be in it."
Total dominance doesn't reflect in score
Bayern were utterly dominant again in Frankfurt, with their website saying they had 69 touches to Frankfurt's 8 in the opposition penalty area, 632 passes in the opposition half to Frankfurt's 94, 11-0 corners and 24-6 attempts on target.
The score was nonetheless 3-3 because they were hit three times on the counter from a brace by Bundesliga top scorer Omar Marmoush and Hugo Etikite. Centre backs Kim Minjae and Dayot Upamecano were on target for Bayern along with Michael Oliseh.
Kompany seeks perfection
"It was a very good display from our team. When I see how much the team ran, how many chances we had, then it was a great performance," Kompany said.
"I know we'll be judged on results in the end but my job as a coach is also to interpret that. And I think if we keep playing like this, we'll celebrate many more wins.
"Of course, we need to talk about how we can perfect this dominant style of play a bit more and allow even fewer chances for our opponents.
"I'm experienced enough to know that if we keep doing what we did today, we will reach the next level."
Players and officials back the style
The new coach has the full backing from Bayern officials and players regarding this at times risky game plan which can be vulnerable to counter attacks.
“You have to distinguish. We're disappointed with the result but the performance was really good. It was fun watching the team play," sporting director Christoph Freund said.
"Of course, there are things we still want to improve. Generally speaking, however, the team is on a really good track.”
Forward Serge Gabry said: "I think if we attack so much, dominate the game so clearly and have so much possession, it's really gruelling for the opposition. Eventually, you create that one chance when your opponents aren't at 100% anymore. In the long run, I believe we'll see just that.”
Bayern remain first going into the international break but are now only ahead on goal difference over RB Leipzig.
Clinical Frankfurt impress
Frankfurt are one point behind and after four straight victories also underlined their credentials against Bayern, with Marmoush and goalkeeper Kaua Santos, who had 10 saves, getting most of the praise.
"This feels like a win," Etikite said, with Marmoush adding: "We stuck together as a team, defensively and offensively, and we were clinical in front of goal."
Frankfurt's display also drew praise from the Bayern camp, with Kompany saying they "showed the efficiency of a top team."
Both teams then face a tough restart in a fortnight, with Bayern hosting last term's runners-up VfB Stuttgart and Frankfurt visiting the title holders in Leverkusen.
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