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Bayern Munich: Five things Carlo Ancelotti must do for a successful season

By Benjamin Scott

SHENZHEN, CHINA - JULY 22: Thomas Mueller of Muenchen looks on during the 2017 International Champions Cup China match between FC Bayern and AC Milan at Universiade Sports Centre Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA - JULY 22: Thomas Mueller of Muenchen looks on during the 2017 International Champions Cup China match between FC Bayern and AC Milan at Universiade Sports Centre Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images for ICC
Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images for ICC /

2) Find a formation and play-style that works

For much of last season Bayern Munich were almost in a state of limbo when it came to their formation and style of play. Rather than reverting to a more direct play-style historically associated with the Bavarians, Ancelotti often deployed his squad in a 4-3-3 and sought to control possession Pep Guardiola-style.

This brought some serious issues to the Bayern squad, however. Unlike Pep, Carlo gives his players much more freedom of movement on the pitch. When used with the proper play-style and formation, this can be a great thing. However, in the close-passing, possession focused play of Pep Guardiola, this is terrible.

Bayern Munich hardly ever looked convincing in last seasons Hinrunde. Their Rückrunde was marginally better, but only just. Even when deployed in the modern classic 4-2-3-1, Ancelotti’s Bayern never quite lived up to expectations.

So far in the ’17-18 season and pre-season Ancelotti has been a bit more adventurous with his formations. One of his most successful formation attempts has been a 4-4-2 of sorts. With Thomas Muller joining Robert Lewandowski up front and Coco Tolisso sharing the right-flank with Joshua Kimmich, the Bavarians have found real success in the timeless formation — as evidenced in the 2017 Supercup.

Another option is Ancelotti’s famed 4-3-2-1 “Christmas Tree” formation. This would provide Carlo with a strong midfield trio without sacrificing players in the attack. Thomas Muller and James Rodriguez would sit behind Robert Lewandowski simultaneously playing as second strikers and attacking midfielders and also providing a bit of width.

Should more width be required, Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba would be tasked with running the flanks, while one of the midfield trio would drop back and help fill the holes in defense.

No matter the formation he chooses, Ancelotti needs to find and develop an identity for his Bayern Munich. And it must be an identity that tailors to the team’s core players, not the aging wingers they’ve heavily relied upon for so long.