Three takeaways as Bayern Munich show prolific form against Freiburg

A rotated, but still strong, line-up saw Bayern Munich get straight back to business, putting four goals past a Freiburg team managed by Christian Streich, the latest man rumored to take over from Jupp Heynckes.

An own-goal from Alexander Schwolow, an excellent finish from Thomas Müller, a tap in from Sandro Wagner and a spectacular long range strike from Corentin Tolisso meant that a 4-0 win was a drastic change from the goalless draw Bayern Munich played out against Hertha Berlin last weekend. Here are three takeaways from yesterday’s match:

Juan Bernat at Left-Wing

Bayern’s starting left winger yesterday was Juan Bernat. As Kingsley Coman will miss the coming weeks with a leg injury and Franck Ribéry sat out yesterday’s fixture with a stomach bug, Jupp Heynckes had to look to the Spanish left-back to fill in the role.

His performance was adequate. He was unable to mark his time as an attacker with a goal or assist, but he offered a lot going forward — not least of which was promise. His second full-length run around at left-wing, this match showed that his pace and dribbling ability have potential to surpass those of Ribery’s current ability.

Again, he was unable to mark today’s game with a goal or assist, but he was instrumental in Sandro Wagner’s goal. Additionally, he was useful throughout in causing disruption amongst the Freiburg defenders. He is certainly an option for upcoming fixtures, perhaps even swapping with David Alaba.

Corentin Tolisso

90 minutes against Mainz, on the bench for Schalke. 90 minutes against Wolfsburg, on the bench for Berlin. The pattern continues for Bayern’s record-signing as he played the full 90 minutes against Freiburg.

Another game went by with the French international quietly getting on with it. Solid passing and good tackling, much like previous fixtures. Today’s match, though, saw a huge change of direction, as he pulled off what could easily be Bayern’s goal of the month, a spectacular long range strike. The focus and determination seen in both the strike and his celebration were indicative of his will to fight for his place on this Bayern squad.

Since his arrival, it has been unclear as to what his role in the club is. As Bayern’s record signing, he has only started and finished 9 league games this season — although he has frequently and comfortably been used in wider roles which may be where his future lies. The addition of Leon Goretzka next season may see both him and Tolisso play in place of Bayern’s perennial wingers.

A (failed) audition

Christian Streich’s name is the most recent to be thrown into the mix for potential Jupp Heynckes replacements. After a string of good performances, including a win against RB Leipzig and draws against Dortmund, Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Frankfurt, Freiburg began today in 13th place in the Bundesliga.

A low position for a team managed by someone apparently worthy enough to take over from Jupp Heynckes, there is a good chance that Freiburg’s position in the league is less to do with their play and more to do with other teams. Today was a chance for Streich to show why his name should be in contention.

Freiburg did start very well and had a wonderful chance blocked by Sven Ulreich, who had a couple of shining moments in a game that remained largely uneventful for him.

Much as we have seen with Niko Kovac and Eintracht Frankfurt, a responsible manager can help “yo-yo” teams find stability. As Frankfurt sit in fourth place, one point behind Schalke in second, a manager such as Niko Kovac wouldn’t be a totally terrible idea — being a former Bayern player it doesn’t seem totally impossible either. However, today didn’t really show that Streich was fit to manage Bayern Munich.

Next: Bayern Munich throttle Freiburg 4-0 -- Player grades

This was a rotated Bayern in good form, however it was a game that Freiburg never looked like of winning. The search for a new manager continues…