James Rodriguez believes Bayern Munich have turned a corner following their 3-1 win at Wolfsburg on Matchday 8.
James scored Bayern’s third of the afternoon at the Volkswagen Arena as the defending champions brought an end to a four-match winless run in all competitions. It was his third Bundesliga goal of the season.
Watch: James reflects on Bayern’s welcome win in Wolfsburg
“In a long season these things always happen,” James told bundesliga.com, Bayern having suffered back-to-back defeats against Hertha Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach prior to the October international break. “There are bad games, there are good games. This bad phase has already gone. Now comes something good.”
Bayern led Wolfsburg through two Robert Lewandowski goals on Saturday afternoon, when Arjen Robben was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 57th minute. Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst reduced the arrears shortly afterwards, but Bayern didn’t buckle. Instead, James raced onto Lewandowski’s pass to deliver the knockout blow and seal a much-needed win.
“Firstly I want to congratulate the team, we were under a lot of pressure all game,” said Bayern coach Niko Kovac. It was a solid effort from the lads, especially with a man down. I expect everyone to give their all for the club, and they did that today. We deserved to win.”
*Translation: a goal and a win
Back on the winning horse, Bayern begin a busy two-and-a-half week spell with a trip to AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on 23 October. Fixtures against Mainz, Rödinghausen (DFB Cup second round), Freiburg and AEK follow, before James and Co. take on current Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on 10 November.
“Hopefully the Wolfsburg win will boost our morale for the coming games,” the Colombia midfielder said. “I think it’ll do us good.”
Bayern, who are chasing a seventh successive Bundesliga title, trail Dortmund by four points after eight matches.
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