Ancelotti: Bayern need to improve quickly

Carlo Ancelotti admits his side have a lot to improve on this season after Bayern Munich reiterated their support for the coach.

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Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Friday that the Italian has the club’s “full support” as they went on a three-game winless run in which they lost to fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund, surrendered top spot in the Bundesliga to RB Leipzig and suffered a 3-2 defeat to Rostov in the Champions League.

Goals from Thiago Alcantara and Mats Hummels saw that run come to an end on Saturday as they helped Bayern to a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen, though the reigning champions still sit three points behind Leipzig.

Bayern's next clash is a trip to Mainz on Friday and Ancelotti is happy to have more time to work with his team.

"Before this game, what we are trying to do is not natural in this moment. We have to work," he said.

"Fortunately, next week for the first time this season, we have one week to prepare for the game.

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"I think it is a good opportunity for us to improve and I am sure we will improve quickly.

"The win was alright," he added. "There are these moments in the season where it is more important to win than to play well.

"The last two games were not good, but there was a reaction from the team. It was a tough, high-intensity game, and we fought hard for the win.”

The former Real Madrid boss is impressed by the rise of Leipzig, but hopes to wrestle control of the German top-flight back from the newly-promoted side.

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"Leipzig are having a first-class season, but it is crucial for us to be at the top," he added.

Bayern will have the opportunity to edge ahead of Leipzig on Friday when they head to Mainz ahead of the leaders' meeting with Schalke on Saturday.