Ali Karimi and Bayern Munich continue to proceed undefeated.  The victory over Eintracht Frankfurt is Bayern’s 15th consecutive Bundesliga win, a record which is of great important in Germany.  Our Iranian superstar is now one of the Bayern record holders.

After all the endless requests by fans, football specialists and experts for Karimi to display his fantasy style skills, Karimi’s supporters found what they were looking for.

Ali Karimi displayed his abilities in glimpses and unlike previous games he did not run up and down the field to consume most of his energy fulfilling a defensive role.  With more of the ball at his feet, Karimi managed to demonstrate his unique Iranian football skills in the Bundesliga and ended up with the golden assist to the only goal of the game.

Fear, doubt, spiritual and psychological pressure still remain within Karimi’s body and soul. He is yet to accustom himself to the Bundesliga’s quick and one-touch football.   In any case, during about 3 months, Karimi has slowly but surely worked his way into familiarizing himself with this difficult path.  Just as his fans do, I too would encourage Karimi to play more of his own kind of football and would insist that he exhibits his skill and self confidence.   However, Karimi said that he will follow the coach’s instructions and the team’s rhythm; stating that he can not conform to playing his preferred style due to other’s requests. 

Karimi said: “I am under a lot of pressure.  From one side, I play very cautiously to find the ways of German football.  From another side, fans, analysts and media request that I play an individual and flashy game.  The two-sided mentality and my unfamiliarity with German football have made me feel perplexed and all my attempts will be directed towards escaping this confusing state.

Whenever we loose possession of the ball, we are responsible for quickly filling up the gaps on the field and blocking the opposition.  When I do possess the ball, I can not ignore the expectations of such renowned players to receive a pass.  I am aware that these kinds of games can be tedious for my fans.  In any case, I will attempt to find a balance between my previous football habits and Bayern’s football.

Marginal Notes:

• Following the final whistle against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern returned to Munich on a private plane.  On Wednesday morning, the team participated in a light training session at their private complex.
• Ali Karimi, along with the Bayern team, is ready to travel to Hamburg.  The game against Hamburg is considered to be of importance to Magath’s pupils as Hamburg is trailing closely behind Bayern in the Bundesliga rankings.
• Ali’s comments on the encounter against Mahdavikia: “This will be a friendly encounter which I am looking forward to.  Mehdi has been one of my supporters and I will always wish him success and victory.”