BUNDESLIGA
Kovac 'putting his neck on the line' with Bayern rotation
Bayern Munich are winless in three matches and Niko Kovac's selection policy has him in the firing line, says Uli Hoeness.
Niko Kovac's rotation policy at Bayern Munich has come under fire and club president Uli Hoeness said the coach is "putting his neck on the line" as results falter.
The Bayern boss has tinkered heavily with his line-up since the 2-0 win over Schalke on September 22 and has seen his side held by Augsburg, lose to Hertha Berlin and then draw with Ajax in the Champions League.
Hoeness believes momentum was lost in the game against Bavarian rivals Augsburg, during which fans protested against the German Football Association and the German Football League over kick-off times and ticket prices by staying silent for the opening 20 minutes.
However, the Bayern president asserted that responsibility for the recent results ultimately lies solely with Kovac, who has defended his rotation policy.
A lot of rotation for Kovac's Bayern
"There's been a lot of rotation, and ever since, there's something a bit wrong with us, but I don't think it's dramatic," said Hoeness.
"It's up to the coach. In the end, he's putting his neck on the line for it.
"The rhythm was lost a bit in the Augsburg game and the first 20 minutes certainly made a contribution to us not getting into the match."
Bayern have slipped beneath Borussia Dortmund to sit second in the Bundesliga, but Hoeness thinks their dip in form has been blown out of proportion.
He said: "At the moment we have some problems, but that's normal. I don't understand the public perception; 10 days ago it was said the rest of the Bundesliga are playing for second place and now suddenly everything is broken with us?"