Bayern Strikes
Fansided

Five reasons behind Bayern Munich’s upturn in form

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team`s third goal with teammates during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 5, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team`s third goal with teammates during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 5, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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05 February 2020, Bavaria, Munich: Football: DFB Cup, Bayern Munich – 1899 Hoffenheim, Round of 16 in the Allianz Arena. Benjamin Hübner from Hoffenheim (l) and Thomas Müller from FC Bayern Munich in a duel for the ball. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to exploit or have exploited in the stadium and/or from the game taken photographs in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)
05 February 2020, Bavaria, Munich: Football: DFB Cup, Bayern Munich – 1899 Hoffenheim, Round of 16 in the Allianz Arena. Benjamin Hübner from Hoffenheim (l) and Thomas Müller from FC Bayern Munich in a duel for the ball. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to exploit or have exploited in the stadium and/or from the game taken photographs in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) /

Better pressing in the final third

Rekordmeister used to be passive on the pitch in terms of their pressing during the last couple of months under Niko Kovac. The trend continued in Hansi Flick’s first couple of months as manager, but the players were much more efficient in the final third, helping them to win games despite poor pressing.

However, pressing has changed significantly since the winter break. Bayern players are now making the opposition work hard on the ball in the final third. The intensity of Thomas Muller helps them to win the ball higher up the pitch. The German forward is well supported by midfielders and other forwards.

The active pressing from Bayern players has helped in forcing errors from the teams. It remains to be seen whether the intensity is sustained throughout the second half of the season. Bayern will be rewarded well in Europe if they continue to press aggressively in the final third.

Along with pressing, there are much more clear patterns of play in the final third. The combination play between the winger and full-back is much slicker at the moment, helping them to stretch deeper blocks and create space for midfielders and Lewandowski. By implementing these small tactical changes, Flick is showing that he is a shrewd tactician.