With Mané – but without Lewandowski? The starting eleven puzzle

And a second personality caused a stir: the deal for Liverpool star Sadio Mané is perfect. Coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a tactical puzzle. Not just because of these personal details. t-online once looked at three possible installation scenarios.

FC Bayern in 4-2-3-1: Neuer – Mazraoui, Pavard (Upamecano), Hernández, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka (Gravenberch) – Coman (Sané), Müller, Mané – Lewandowski

FC Bayern in 3-4-3: Neuer – Pavard, Upamecano, Hernández – Mazraoui, Kimmich (Goretzka), Müller, Davies – Coman (Sané), Lewandowski, Mané

“I would definitely advocate that he stay another year,” Honorary President Uli Hoeneß advised his Bavarians in an interview with “Sport1” on the Lewandowski cause. Although the contract of the Polish striker at Säbener Straße ends in the summer of 2023. And then he would go on a free transfer.

Hoeneß explained his objection with a lack of alternatives. Sadio Mané from Liverpool FC is not a classic centre-forward. The 30-year-old Senegalese will do his job as a left winger, with and without Lewandowski.

The second tricky construction site is the central defense after Niklas Süle left Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer. Sport director Hasan Salihamidzic has recently repeatedly emphasized that Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernández, Tanguy Nianzou and Benjamin Pavard are excellent central defenders. The French Upamecano and Hernández were too often guilty of this predicate. It is quite possible that compatriot Pavard (previously right-back) will move into the center of defence. Just like at VfB Stuttgart.

FC Bayern in 4-2-3-1: Neuer – Mazraoui, Pavard (Upamecano), Hernández, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka (Gravenberch) – Coman (Sané), Müller, Mané – Gnabry

FC Bayern in 3-4-3: Neuer – Pavard, Upamecano, Hernández – Mazraoui, Kimmich (Goretzka), Müller, Davies – Coman (Sané), Gnabry, Mané

Pavard in central defense is realistic in that Bayern have signed a new right-back in Noussair Mazraoui (24, free transfer from Ajax Amsterdam). In a 3-4-3, a French defensive line would be conceivable, flanked by Mazraoui on the right and Davies on the left, who could defensively move into a five-man line if they lost possession.

And in front? Without Lewandowski? Serge Gnabry last applied for this position. The 26-year-old said he could “fill in well” the role of centre-forward with the national team, “although it’s not my regular position”. The Swabian was allowed to play as a disguised nine in the DFB team. But: His move to Real Madrid is becoming increasingly likely as Kylian Mbappé stays at PSG. In addition, buddy, ex-Bayer and Real professional David Alaba is probably intensively promoting a transfer to the Spanish capital.