Philipp Lahm said injury-hit Bayern Munich had not had things their own way, despite beating Hertha Berlin to maintain their unbeaten Bundesliga record and go 11 points clear.
First-half goals by Germany forward Thomas Mueller and France Under-21 winger Kingsley Coman sealed a 2-0 win at Munich’s Allianz Arena to give Bayern their 13th win from 14 league games on Saturday.
But Lahm praised his side for their resilience with star wingers Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa among those currently injured.
“We had a few problems before the game today, because we had a few players unavailable,” said Bayern’s captain.
“Above all, we were missing the type of players who can open up space for us against defensive teams.
“So that wasn’t an easy task for us, but we sorted things out well and we did a good job in shuting down their counter-attacking game.”
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer complained that Hertha had defended “like a handball team” by packing defenders in tight to restrict the space in the penalty area.
“We didn’t have things so easy against a team who defended like a handball side,” complained the Germany goalkeeper.
“It was good for us that we got the two early goals and built up a lead.
“It was harder for us in the second half, because Hertha completely stopped coming forward.”
With 13 goals in 14 league games, Mueller has already equalled his tally for the whole of last season with less than half the campaign gone.
The Germany forward said he was pleased to have contributed to a good halftime lead, which became the final score.
“When it’s 0-0 you never know what can happen against Hertha, because they defend so well,” said Mueller, who has scored in each of Bayern’s last five games.
“But I had a good feeling after we scored two quick goals.”
Bayern have five games left until the winter break starts on December 20 and have already qualified as group winners for the last 16 of the Champions League.
They are at fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach next Saturday and host Darmstadt in the last 16 of the German Cup on December 15.
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