In the decisive quarter-final second leg in the Champions League against FC Villarreal, FC Bayern must improve their performance significantly if they are to progress. Before the duel on Tuesday evening (from 9:00 p.m.), ex-captain Stefan Effenberg listed what is particularly important now.
According to the former midfield star of the German record champions, it’s all about the transition game and precision when owning the ball, which must be shown again at the highest level as quickly as possible in the second leg against the yellow submarine from Spain (first leg: 0:1): “If they win the ball, Bayern have to switch at top speed without losing the ball from the first leg,” said Effenberg in a guest article in “kicker”.
In the Allianz Arena at home, the main thing is to control the game against Villarreal. FC Bayern also need “ball possession of 60 percent plus X” in the opponent’s half, according to Effenberg.
Effenberg demands Kimmich and Goretzka on the double six
On the offensive, which Effenberg recently identified as a “problem area” at Bayern, it’s about spreading the game.
“That’s how the opponents get started and get tired, even at home they (FC Villarreal, editor’s note) couldn’t keep up the pace in the last ten minutes,” said the 53-year-old, who died 21 years ago even won the Champions League as captain with FC Bayern.
In terms of personnel, Effenberg also has clear ideas about how the Bundesliga leaders should appear in the decisive knockout game against Villarreal: “Six must be Kimmich plus Goretzka, also because of physicality. Since Villarreal combines from the defense, it makes sense to use three men to advance from headquarters and deliver them,” says today’s TV expert, who also calls for “consistent pressing” and the right balance in the Bayern game.