Bayern Munich: Three ways to cope without Benjamin Pavard

Change in system for Bayern Munich

The wildcard solution to compensate Pavard’s absence could be a change in formation. Flick has stuck with 4-2-3-1 throughout the last eight months irrespective of which players were available for disposal. He always had players to field a back four.

However, Pavard’s absence may force him to switch to a three-man defence. The return of Niklas Sule and Javi Martinez from their respective injuries further provide more depth in central defence. The current squad has five centre-back options, so playing a three-man defence cannot be completely excluded.

In the left wing-back position, there is no doubt that Davies will start. On the right side, Flick can utilise Ivan Perisic. The Croatian is a versatile forward, and he can also play in the wing-back role. He has the engine to relentlessly motor along the right flank. Kingsley Coman could be an option in the same role if Die Roten is chasing the game.

On paper, 3-5-2 would be a favourable formation for Die Roten in the absence of Pavard. However, the players need time to get accustomed to a new formation. They currently don’t have games to test this experiment. They may try it against Marseille, but it is a friendly, so it will lack the intensity of a high octane European knockout clash. Flick has the personnel to execute this system, but lack of match practice may prove to be a hindrance.