Talking Tactics: SC Freiburg vs Bayern Munich

Bayern’s tactical approach against Freiburg

Let’s first analyze the positioning for the full-backs to foolproof Bayern’s defense. Pavard will have to be less adventurous in the final third. He should aim to stay back alongside Boateng and Alaba. On the other hand, Davies must operate in a slightly advanced position on the left side with his prime duty to operate as a wing-back in attack when Perisic makes an inverted run.

This setup is based on the ideology that Freiburg is expected to lock themselves at the back with their compact structure, given Bayern’s style of dominating possession and playing with a high line. Thereby, Freiburg will aim to hit Bayern on the break wherein their forwards make darting runs while exchanging passes between themselves. It should then be an easy job for Bayern to deal with three against three players. Kimmich, Muller, and Davies shall also look to pull back for adding numbers to their defense.

The primary reason for keeping Pavard at the back with Boateng is to deny Holer the space to inflict any damage in such a counter-attacking situation. Although Holer might not be one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga, he possesses the ability to feint, change direction, and win free-kick in a dangerous area as he has been fouled 29 times in 15 league fixtures. (Stats courtesy: WhoScored)

Speaking about free-kicks and set-piece situations Bayern should brace themselves for a Jonathan Schmid strike as he is an expert in putting the ball in the net from such scenarios.

In order to open-up spaces in Freiburg’s rigid defensive block, Bayern needs to play with five of their men covering the center and right-half space. This approach will allow Perisic and Davies to thrive on the opposite flank during their build-up. A pivotal aspect of this positional template is to lure Freiburg in one half of the pitch and disorganize their structure.

Lewandowski should aim to play slightly deep from his usual advanced position forming a diamond with Kimmich, Coutinho, and Muller in this space with Gnabry operating as a second striker, positioned laterally to the Polish forward. The positioning with respect to this design, in sync with Bayern’s quick one-touch passing and slick movement, can prove to be the key difference for Hansi Flick taking all three points.

In addition, Gnabry and Perisic shall also look to make inward runs in the attacking third with Muller taking Gnabry’s stance on the right flank as opposed to Pavard or Kimmich being deployed for this maneuver. Along with their attacking duties, Gnabry and Perisic’s secondary remit shall involve tracking Schmid and Gunter’s forward runs during an offensive transition for Freiburg.

Here is a graphical representation for how Bayern should be positioned when in possession inside Freiburg’s half:

(Note: “X” represents Freiburg’s players positioned in their preferred 5-4-1 formation when defending)

"X0                                            X1                   X2                  X3                   X4                   X5                          Perisic                                                  Lewandowski           Gnabry                                                          X6           X7      Coutinho       X8          X9                                                                                                                          Muller                                            Davies                               X10        Kimmich                                                   —-Alaba———-o—————–Pavard—                                                                                                   Boateng                                                                                              Neuer"

Further, for underpinning this positional strategy, Bayern must aim to bombard Freiburg with long-range efforts alongside a plethora of crosses with the motive to take advantage of the second ball.

Bayern will have to be tactically spot on to get all three points on Wednesday. Die Roten need to go into the winter break by winning both games this week. These wins could ultimately help them to go on a long winning run, helping them to retain the league title.