Bayern Munich stale in Berlin after another 2-2 draw — Player grades

Bayern Munich’s first match without Carlo Ancelotti ends with failure. Just like at home against Wolfsburg, the Bavarians threw away another 2-0 lead.

Manager Grade

Willy Sagnol — C+

It’s hard to be too harsh on Bayern Munich’s interim head coach. Just two days ago, the former Bayern defender was the club’s assistant coach. However, due to recent drama, he’s been forced to take up responsibility. The XI on the day actually looked quite strong on paper. The line-up saw a return to the 4-2-3-1 with a defensive-midfield double-pivot of Corentin Tolisso and Javi Martinez, along with the inclusion of Robbery. However, due to the result, this score is forced to take a dip.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C-

Things aren’t getting easier for the Bayern Munich #2. After one heroic performance at Schalke, the German saw a string of abysmal showings. While his defense was mostly to blame today, he didn’t look any more confident individually despite a couple of decent stops. Getting nutmegged to allow the first goal didn’t help either.

DEF, David Alaba — D

The way the Austrian has been declining the past couple of seasons has been both tragic and frustrating. While Bayern as a whole looked decent early on in the game — the first half only — they completely collapsed in the second half, and Alaba was a large part of that collapse. Even in the first 45, Alaba wasn’t exemplary, but he was at least manageable. However, it became more clear leading up to the goal that the left-flank was the weak link. Most of Hertha Berlin’s attacks came down his side and he did little to stop anything. In addition, his offensive contributions were poor. Misfired crosses were the order of the day yet again.

DEF, Jérôme Boateng — C-

The only reason Boateng’s grade isn’t at least a half-grade lower is because of his excellent assist to Mats Hummels’ goal — and his recent comeback from injury. His long-ball to Mats was immaculately placed and an example of one of the center-back’s best qualities aside from his usual defending. Unfortunately, the compliments stop there for this particular game. Along with his teammates, he was part of the collapse that happened early in the second half.

DEF, Mats Hummels — C

Much like Boateng, the reason Hummels’ score isn’t lower is due to his opening goal. He started the game looking fairly confident and composed in the back. Aside from a couple scares in the first half, Hummels made some well-timed interceptions/tackles. Also like Boateng, the second half ruined that as he contributed to the quick defensive lapse. Among his teammates, his hopeless tackle in the first goal was painful to watch.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — D

This score might get some flak, but unlike Hummels and Boateng, there was no moment of brilliance to salvage his grade. If it wasn’t for Boateng’s assist and Hummels’ goal, their scores would be closer to Kimmich’s, I assure you. The otherwise shining starlet for Bayern Munich and Germany didn’t contribute anything meaningful against Hertha Berlin. While he was at least more attentive to his side defensively than Alaba, the disaster in the second half makes this grade simple. Kimmich was mindlessly sucked in, leaving his flank open for the tap-in when Hertha pulled back for 2-1.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — C

Like some of his teammates, Tolisso started off looking promising. The young Frenchman was fairly energetic contributing to some build up play and chasing back. Tolisso’s ball over to Lewandowski to make it 2-0 was the highlight. Unfortunately, the collective lapse in concentration brings down his efforts as well. Tolisso seemed to lose focus — like so many others — after allowing Hertha to break through and eventually tie the game.

MID, Javi Martínez — C-

The way Javi was included in this squad gave a glimmer of false hope. The Spaniard was included as a defensive-midfielder as half of a double pivot for the first time in what seems like ages. It was “false hope” as this gave the impression that we’d perhaps see a flash of 2013 Javi next to Schweinsteiger. What was initially a decent example of a more defensive focus, it quickly withered away later on, looking as shaky as the back-line.

MID, Franck Ribéry — D

While Robbery’s inclusion seemed hopeful, it played out to a whimper in Berlin. The veteran Frenchman provided nothing of note in the final third. Ribéry’s late-game injury seemed to add salt to the wounds, as it could be a potential ACL injury.

MID, Thomas Müller — D

It’s hard not to come to the defense of the Bayern-raised star. However, aside from a collectively poor performance, there can be no excuses for him against Hertha Berlin. Müller was poor today; it’s as simple as that. The German was wasteful when given chances, namely after an excellent and unselfish play from Lewandowski early on, and his first touch was terrible.

MID, Arjen Robben — D

As mentioned earlier, Robben was at least as poor as his French compatriot. The Dutchman was largely ineffective and uninspired going forward. As with Robbery’s other half and Müller, there’s not much to say as to how they were so toothless up front. Robben’s frustrating performance was met with an expected substitution.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B-

The Pole was perhaps the brightest spot in Bayern’s favor against Hertha Berlin. Early on, Lewandowski looked energetic, providing some promising opportunities, one of which woefully wasted by Thomas Müller. His handle on the second goal was something special has well. The strength and control to allow himself the shot was impressive, and equally so with the finish. However, his biggest fault was how many off-side calls he drew.

Next: Bayern Munich allow Hertha Berlin a 2-2 draw

Subs

DEF, Niklas Süle — N/A

Süle was brought on later on in the second-half to give Boateng a break. Because of his later inclusion — and the damage already being done — his showing doesn’t merit a score.

MID, Thiago — N/A

Thiago’s late inclusion and lack of significant contribution also doesn’t need a score.

MID, Kingsley Coman — N/A

Like the other two subs, there’s no need to score Coman. This is better off for him, as if he was, the score wouldn’t be positive. In his limited showing he gave initial excitement in possession, only to ruin it last minute with some poor decision-making in the penalty area.