Bundesliga
FC Bayern Munich – comment on the third Bundesliga draw in a row: Julian Nagelsmann has to stop trying to please everyone
Published
2 years agoon
By
Maria KeaneFor the third time in a row, FC Bayern Munich did not get the full number of points in the Bundesliga. A trend that is no coincidence. It’s time that the record champions followed the most honest competition for German teams with the necessary seriousness – and that also applies to coach Julian Nagelsmann. A comment.
Although Bayern only conceded the goal to make it 2-2 against VfB Stuttgart shortly before the end, there was no bad luck in the end. The people of Munich simply don’t take the Bundesliga seriously enough. This was also underlined by Thomas Müller with his clear words after the game.
Strictly speaking, the lack of seriousness was already evident about an hour before kick-off, when the starting line-up was announced. Compared to the triumph in San Siro, Nagelsmann made five voluntary changes to his team and one forced change (Kingsley Coman).
Sure, after the certainly strenuous start in the Champions League and in view of the cracker duel with FC Barcelona and former goalkeeper Robert Lewandowski, it is completely normal that there is a rotation. However, it almost seems as if Nagelsmann only starts the rotary press so that he has done it. In other words, the 35-year-old wants to please everyone.
Appropriately, there were rumors during the week that the first players were dissatisfied with their playing time. The criterion applies to Serge Gnabry, for example, who once again made it clear against Stuttgart that he is completely out of shape. Or newcomer Noussair Mazraoui, who hadn’t actually played a role before. Leon Goretzka himself spoke about the starting XI after the game in Milan. The consequence of the rotation is that players like Müller are used in positions where they are almost out of place. The past has shown often enough that the role at the top only suits him to a limited extent (no shot on goal against VfB, SPOX rating: 4.5).
Julian Nagelsmann: Questionable changes
The fact that Nagelsmann spoke of poor exploitation of chances at the subsequent press conference almost borders on an excuse. He himself bears the greatest responsibility for the two points lost after taking the lead again. It’s true that Bayern missed a lot of overman situations that were actually enough for two or three games. But is it absolutely necessary to start the rotary machine again – apart from Leroy Sané (61st) – with a tight score of 2: 1?
Why does Mazraoui replace the other in Josip Stanisic (61st)? Why does Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (69th), who is clearly too slow for the many counterattacks, come into play? How does Ryan Gravenberch (81st), who is not known for his defensive miracles, help to keep things going? Three more than questionable changes.
The substitution of Sadio Mané in the 81st minute underscores the thesis that every star should get their time. The recently so sovereign Benjamin Pavard and duel monster Lucas Hernández were not allowed to take off the tracksuit. As is well known, both practice the profession of defender, which you can use in tight games from time to time.
FC Bayern vs Barça back in destruction mode?
Nevertheless, it is far from unlikely that Bayern will switch back to destruction mode against Barça on Wednesday – of course with an absolutely top line-up.
And this is also necessary, as the visibly dissatisfied sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said in the mixed zone: “That was not enough today. We have to shift up two gears, three for Barcelona.”
What then happens on the following Saturday in Augsburg, however, is another matter. It’s all a matter of value.
FC Bayern: The results since the English weeks
meeting | contest | Opponent | location | result |
August 27th | Bundesliga | Borussia Monchengladbach | home | 1:1 |
August 31st | DFB Cup | Victoria Cologne | away | 5-0 |
September 3rd | Bundesliga | Union Berlin | away | 1:1 |
7th of September | Champions League | Inter Milan | away | 2-0 |
September 10 | Bundesliga | VfB Stuttgart | home | 2:2 |
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