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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 Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images /

5) Fix that shaky back-line

Complaining about the Bavarians’ defensive line seems to have become the norm for Bayern fans. But there’s good cause for that. Too often, Bayern Munich’s back-line has been exploited with ease. Every team and manager in Europe knows the solution to get past Bayern’s defense: counter-attack.

Carlo Ancelotti has to develop a defensive shape that doesn’t completely fall apart at even the slightest breakaway. Perhaps this dovetails off his need to find a formation and style of play that works with his squad. Whatever the case, it must be fixed.

Like a few other things on this list, Carlo Ancelotti has shown some signs of fixing the problem. The defense was solid against Werder Bremen; then again, that is a team with a serious pace deficiency.

Borussia Dortmund easily exposed Bayern with high-pressure and counter-attacks in the 2017 Supercup. Similarly, Liverpool’s dangerous attack did the same thing in the pre-season Audi Cup. The warning signs are all there. Now they must be addressed.

Next: Bayern Munich: Key factors in each Champions League group stage clash

However, Carlo Ancelotti has shown signs of addressing the problem. Like most things on this list, the Italian manager seems to be making progress. This season could be a joy to behold for Bayern Munich fans, but it could also be a disaster. A big deciding factor either way, will be whether or not Carlo Ancelotti addresses these five things that could lead his squad to a successful season.