Bayern Munich: Three ways to cope without Benjamin Pavard

Bayern Munich should recall Alvaro Odriozola in the starting lineup

Hansi Flick was vocal about adding more quality in the right-back position during the winter transfer window. The German club eventually caved in and decided to address the situation temporarily by loaning Alvaro Odriozola from Real Madrid for six months.

The move to Germany for more playing time has not worked for the Spanish full-back. He has managed only two starts in the Bundesliga under Flick. Die Roten has no plans to sign him permanently, but he could play a decisive role for Bavarians in the European competition.

The most straightforward solution to Pavard’s absence will be to bring Odriozola back into the fold. The Spaniard is a tidy full-back that can provide impetus while going forward but lacks the discipline to hold his position. In his two starts in the Bundesliga, teams targeted vacant space left behind Odriozola to create chances. Moreover, he often gets physically dominated by a wide player.

Bringing Odriozola back into the team will demand tactical adjustments on the right flank. He will need more support from the forward that is playing ahead of him. Moreover, the likes of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich will have to mop up whenever Odriozola has lapses in concentration. It is a straight swap in position with Pavard, but it would require some minor changes in the shape of the team. Flick has shown that he is a great man-manager, so maybe he could get the best out of the Spaniard in the most important games of the season.