Four takeaways as Bayern Munich drop points against RB Leipzig

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MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 09: Jerome Boateng of Bayern Muenchen is being substituted by Lucas Hernandez of Bayern Muenchen during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 09, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Widmann/Getty Images for FC Bayern) /

Tactical changes

Because of the final scoreline, this may have gone unnoticed, but I liked Flick’s first two substitutions. One could easily see what they were meant to do, in theory. Lucas Hernandez was the first and he was brought on for Boateng who, although didn’t have a bad game, does have lacks pace when facing a team that has rapid forwards. Hernandez could run with their attackers, so it was nice to see that tactical adjustment made, helping in neutralizing their speed, and it worked. The defense and Manuel Neuer kept the clean sheet.

The second substitution was bringing on Philippe Coutinho for Serge Gnabry. Gnabry isn’t a natural left-winger, and Coutinho has a lot of experience on that side of the field. Also, Gnabry is a lot faster than Coutinho, but because of Leipzig’s defensive shape (playing with 5 defenders), that trait was nullified.

Coutinho, although not as fast, has much more technical ability and could beat players with great passing and dribbling skills. We’ve seen his ability to beat defenders when not having to run at a full pace, so it was worth the shot to try and use that ability. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way, but it was nice to see Flick try to use a different type of player to change the game.

This is all very refreshing to see from Flick, who is only an interim coach but still understands the roster, and where its strengths and weaknesses are. To the point above about bringing on Zirkzee and taking off a midfielder, I also understand Flick not doing that. He wanted to make sure to at least get a point from this game and keep the lead in the Bundesliga, so keeping a third midfielder in the game was probably a smart idea.

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This match was essentially a chess match between the two coaches, and it is refreshing to see that Flick can hold his own against someone who is held in such high regard. Hopefully, Bayern can get back on track with a win next weekend and get some momentum going into the Champions League matches.