Gomez bewildered by Cologne tactics

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez revealed his disbelief at Cologne’s negative approach in the Bundesliga leaders’ 3-0 win on Friday.

Jupp Heynckes’ team were reduced to 10 players after Franck Ribery was sent off midway through the first half, but responded brilliantly after the break at Allianz Arena, with strikes from Gomez, David Alaba and Toni Kroos.

Despite their numerical advantage, Cologne kept several players behind the ball, much to the disbelief of Bayern Munich.

“You always enjoy it, when you win. It’s a shame there are still teams who choose to play the way Cologne did today,” Gomez said.

“I’ve never experienced that before. They strung 10 across the back, but we invested a lot and we were rewarded for it. It was hard work.”

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness agreed with Gomez.

“I can understand Cologne playing so defensively when it was 11-a-side, but I didn’t get it when they kept on defending at a man up but a goal down.”

“Our second half display was terrific, and you wouldn’t necessarily have expected it at half-time.”

“Last summer, Jupp Heynckes came in as the right coach for this football club’s bruised soul. Since he’s been here, it’s been totally calm at FC Bayern. We’re currently in the best possible shape.”

The win over Cologne means Bayern Munich are six points clear of champions Borussia Dortmund, who play Freiburg on Saturday.