Bayern Munich treble hero Kingsley Coman on Paris Saint-Germain goal: "I closed my eyes for the header!"
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has revealed that his teammates used to poke fun at him over his aerial ability before he headed home the winning goal in the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League final.
The France international sealed Bayern's incredible treble last season when he got the only goal against his former team Paris Saint-Germain in August.
Coman nodded in a Joshua Kimmich cross after 59 minutes to do so, something he admits was a little unusual.
"It's just the way it is that I get a bit frightened of heading the ball, and my teammates make fun of me over it," the 24-year-old told Bild.
"You can see it in the pictures. I closed my eyes for the header. It's instinctive - a natural reflex. I always try to keep my eyes open, but at the last moment I always have this reflex."
Watch: Coman is one of four deadly wingers at Bayern
Coman is perhaps being a little harsh on himself with regard to his aerial prowess. He did, after all, score with a flying header to open Bayern's Champions League account in 2019/20 during their first group-stage game against Red Star Belgrade.
There can no doubt, though, that the wide man's crucial strike against PSG in Lisbon has contributed to his impressive productivity in 2020/21.
The former Juventus player went into the winter break with five goals and nine assists from 15 appearances in all competitions.
"It's always something special to score at the highest level - and in club football nothing tops a Champions League final," Coman told German sports magazine kicker in December.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
"I'm proud that I played my part in winning the Champions League. That gives me the confidence to make the difference in big and decisive games."
Bayern are once again leading the way in the Bundesliga this season and still standing in the DFB Cup. Hansi Flick's team are set to meet Lazio in the Champions League round of 16 as well, so Coman's fantastic footwork - and maybe even his heading ability - could be crucial to their chances of repeating last season's success.
Related news
Leipzig path paving the way for Nusa
Teenaged forward Antonio Nusa is walking the walk - and talking the talk - in some famous footsteps at the Red Bull Arena...
Dortmund Legends and Flamengo honour Pelé
Past BVB greats faced a Flamengo XI in Brazil on King Pelé Day.
Who should partner Kimmich in Bayern's midfield?
Injuries to Pavlović and Palhinha, who were already competing against each other, have opened up a spot alongside Kimmich in Bayern’s midfield. What are Kompany’s options?