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

3) Ditch his over-reliance on “Robbery”

Not only does Ancelotti need to find a formation and play-style that works for his team, he needs to do so without catering to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

Bayern Munich have relied on the pair to lead their attack for the better part of a decade. But now it is time to move on. A new system is needed that allows others to show their creativity and goal-scoring threat in place of “Robbery.”

Don’t misunderstand though. This is by no means a call to drop the duo entirely. They are still two of the best players on the squad, and both have potential to completely change the outcome of a match (particularly Robben).

However, it is imperative that Carlo Ancelotti and co. learn how to function without them. And with the several new signings made this summer, there’s never been a better time to do just that. James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller were a fantastic pairing this past pre-season. Maybe it’s time for the Colombia and Germany internationals to take over the reigns as Bayern’s creative attacking force.

They might lack the speed and mobility of a younger Robben and Ribery, but that’s where the change in play-style comes in. A midfield trio with the likes of Thiago, Tolisso, Rudy and Vidal would have no shortage of late attacking runs. Similarly, Bayern’s full-backs are more than capable of providing width in the attack (as already noted).

And if more speed is needed, then Bayern do have one of the world’s fastest attackers in their ranks. Young Frenchman Kingsley Coman is ready to step-up and show that he too is deserving of a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.