What Bayern Munich can learn from Liverpool’s draw vs. Everton

Bayern Munich will have many things to ponder ahead of next week’s Champions League match thanks to Liverpool’s recent poor form in the Premier League.

With the second leg of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Liverpool looming large, the Reds’ inability to score on the road against top sides no doubt is a worry for manager Jurgen Klopp. The Bavarians will have to find a mix of caution and aggression in the second leg after grinding out a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

The visitors have won 21 games and scored 64 goals in their domestic league, but it’s the seven draws that see Liverpool sit a point behind Manchester City in the Premier League standings after incurring a 0-0 result at Everton over the weekend, the second goalless result in less than 10 days. On the other hand, Bayern Munich have improved their form in Bundesliga and are now level on points with Borussia Dortmund.

As the season draws toward a decisive phase, Bayern seem to be on an upward spiral, while Liverpool are struggling to secure important points in big games. But what could the Bundesliga champions learn from this?

Attacking Inefficiency

It isn’t like Liverpool didn’t have chances to score against the Toffees. There were a few big chances for Mohamed Salah, who hasn’t scored in three games now, while the team accumulated a total of 10 shots throughout the match (putting just three on target). The sheer wastefulness against an Everton team that has conceded 39 goals this term highlights their attackers’ inefficiency in pressure situations – something that Bayern would hope continues for a couple of weeks more.

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Physicality

The Liverpool midfield is often talked about for its running capacity and aggression when it comes to duels on the field. Against Everton, however, Klopp’s men were in for a surprise as Marcos Silva’s side not only matched them in terms of physicality but also bettered them in this aspect.

With the sort of displays Javi Martinez has given in midfield during the past few games for Die Roten, it would be hard for Niko Kovac to snub him for the Liverpool game if they are to physically dominate their opponents. Moreover, Bayern’s fragile defense will need proper shielding in this game as they cannot afford to concede an away goal.

Defensive stability

A goalless draw against Manchester United, then a 5-0 win over Watford, followed by another 0-0 stalemate at Everton. While the attack has been inconsistent, Liverpool’s defense has proven its credentials as one of the finest in the world once again. Even with Virgil van Dijk absent, it was difficult for Bayern to put the ball past Alisson at Anfield. With the Dutchman now back in the team, it is going to be increasingly tough for Robert Lewandowski, and his supporting cast, to score that crucial goal that could take Bayern to the quarterfinals.

If the recent 5-1 hammering of Borussia Monchengladbach is any sign, the Bavarians look to be able to step up in big matches despite not being at their absolute best this season. While Thomas Muller’s absence has had a negative effect on Lewandowski’s performances, Kovac will need to come up with a better plan, especially to aid the Polish striker’s case, if Bayern are to trump the Reds at the Allianz Arena.