The broad squad of FC Bayern offers head coach Julian Nagelsmann numerous opportunities towards the end of the season and at the same time also brings with it the probability of disappointing one or the other star.
After initial difficulties at the beginning of the year, the last four weeks have been very much to FC Bayern’s taste.
Chaser Union Berlin was distanced by a clear victory, two more threes and simultaneous mistakes of the competition meant that the Munich team is now even two points ahead at the top of the table. In between, the quarter-finals in the Champions League was bagged almost in passing against Messi and Co. The bosses and coach Julian Nagelsmann should be satisfied.
However, as is so often the case in life, the current high is also accompanied by a downside. After the return of Sadio Mané, the head coach is spoiled for choice in a well-functioning system, especially in attack – but disappointments are also inevitable in defense. These hardship cases threaten FC Bayern:
Cases of hardship in the defense of FC Bayern:
There are only two players in Munich’s central defence: the summer transfer Matthijs de Ligt, who is now extremely confident, and Dayot Upamecano, who has completely settled in at FC Bayern after a long start-up period and has found his way back to his old strength. In addition to what is probably the best central defender duo in the league, Alphonso Davies can also rely on (his) regular place. The young winger convinces both as a classic left-back in a back four and as an offensive part with three central defenders.
However, it is precisely these changes between the three-man and four-man chains that pose some danger for the other starting eleven candidates. Above all, the recently highly acclaimed one Josip Stanisic could have lost his place on the right again because veteran Benjamin Pavard has recently been extremely accurate. Stanisic’s problem: Winter new signing Joao Cancelo made a name for himself again after a period of weakness and impressed with a goal and assist against Augsburg (both sport.de– Note 1.0).
Both defenders are playing for their future in two senses. On the one hand they have to recommend themselves to FC Bayern for a further commitment, on the other hand Nagelsmann and Co. also have to explore whether further cooperation with Pavard (contract until 2024) and Cancelo (borrowed until the end of the season, purchase option for 70 million euros) is possible.
Stanisic, on the other hand, who came from the Bayern youth team and has a long-term commitment until 2026, will probably have to take a back seat despite strong performances – especially in the Champions League against the PSG attack with Kylian Mbappé and Co. His (and thus Nagelsmann’s) advantage: Like Cancelo, the young Croatian could also help out on the left if Davies needs a break.
Open is how timely with Noussair Mazraoui goes on. Before the winter break, the right-back, who was brought from Amsterdam on a free transfer, was still on the field regularly, but was then out for months due to an inflammation of the pericardium. The 25-year-old made a brief comeback against FCA, but it looks very likely that Nagelsmann will not be able to fulfill the Moroccan’s starting place request for the time being due to the strong competition.
Also part of the defense Leon Goretzka, but further up in midfield. The German national player could then become more of a hardship case if FC Bayern were to rely more often on five offensively oriented players in a 3-1-4-2 with Joshua Kimmich as the only security, as recently against Augsburg. Here Goretzka was only given a break after the exhausting Champions League game, but the opportunity to offer more players offensively should definitely appeal to Nagelsmann.
Hardship cases in the offensive of FC Bayern:
“Thomas Müller always plays”: This sentence, once coined by ex-coach Louis van Gaal, no longer applies. The offensive all-rounder, who was recently no longer considered for the DFB-Elf by national coach Hansi Flick, has recently found himself on the bench again and again in Munich. Müller’s problem: The three to a maximum of four places in attack are hotly contested.
While the native of Munich had benefited from the fluctuating performances of Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané, who had come under criticism, the duo finally caught up and pushed back into the team. The good thing from Müller’s point of view: Striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is currently out with back problems that are spreading to his legs. As a result, another place is open for the time being.
However, Sadio Mané, who has recovered from an inflammation in the fibula head, also claims this. It is hard to imagine that the superstar, who signed for 32 million from Liverpool FC in the summer, will not get regular playing time again.
Only high-flyer Jamal Musiala can currently feel secure in his place. In addition to the youngster, there will be a sting and sting between in the coming weeks Kingsley Comanthe one mentioned Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry and just Mueller. In addition, the 17-year-old top talent Mathys Tel will also want to collect more minutes.
So Julian Nagelsmann is spoiled for choice. That should be just right for the head coach of FC Bayern – unlike probably the players who end up unintentionally on the bench.
Chris Rohdenburg