Talking Tactics: Hertha Berlin vs Bayern Munich

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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Head coach Nico Kovac of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hertha BSC at Allianz Arena on August 16, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

Rewind: Matchday 1- Kovac’s Tactical Tinkering

To counter Hertha’s pressing, Bayern used a three-man defensive line in the center and half-spaces. They were supported by the full-backs, who dropped slightly deep and hugged the touchline. This was an efficient system deployed by Kovac to help Bayern bring the ball out from the defensive third. It emerged as a smart move to pin Thiago at the back with Sule and Pavard. Bayern were able to find space in their own half, and play vertical passes through Hertha’s pressing maneuver.

Fundamentally, the new system forced Hertha to spread their pressure horizontally, compared to their former approach for targeting the central zone. As a result, Sule and Pavard were able to connect with Thiago and spray diagonal long-balls to Bayern’s wingers.

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Speaking of the attackers, Gnabry and Coman were given the freedom to roam the attacking third. Moreover, Lewandowski also dropped slightly deep in the midfield. It caused havoc in Hertha’s defensive structure, which ripped them open on numerous occasions.

This helped Bayern to score their first goal of the game. Joshua Kimmich received the ball on the right with Gnabry running ahead on the right-wing. Coman was clever to invert in and drag Klunter with him. This allowed Lewandowski to make a run from his deep position, inside the box. Finally, the Polish forward connected with Gnabry’s pass to make it one-nil for the hosts.

Kovac’s tactical change was quite productive for Bayern. They were able to control the tempo throughout the pitch and create more chances. The record champions took more shots, especially inside the box. The total xG score improved from 0.09 to 2.48 for Bayern in comparison to 0.15 to 1.18 for Hertha after the first 15 minutes.

Hertha were lucky to find the net twice. The first goal for Hertha was a deflected shot by Lukebakio. The second one stemmed from poor chemistry between Sule and Pavard when the French defender injured his face following a duel with Grujic. The champions, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on the chances they created, which cost them two points in their opening fixture of the season. (Stats courtesy: Understat)