Bayern Munich batters Chelsea, yet again: Three key takeaways

Bayern Munich needs a backup for the right-back position

Benjamin Pavard missed the game due to an injury. Flick filled his position by moving Joshua Kimmich in the right-back role. Thiago Alcantara was introduced in a double pivot setup with Leon Goretzka in the center of the park. Die Roten controlled the game with tenacity, albeit there were a few moments that exposed them on certain occasions in the central zone.

This argument does not undermine the ability of either Kimmich or Thiago to play as a right-back and center-midfielder, respectively. On the contrary, the second leg at the Allianz Arena presented why they click better when placed together in the central zone.

Kimmich has been used as a midfielder orchestrating the play under Flick’s tutelage. His presence in the heart of the midfield poses Bayern as a solid defensive unit camping in the opposition’s half. As a result, Kimmich’s performance was rather low-key in the right-back role. Joshua Kimmich made 57 touches against Chelsea, quite low per his standards.

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On the other hand, Thiago and Goretzka’s partnership saw a few dodgy moments. The Spaniard offers a low value in terms of holding his defensive line during transitions compared to Kimmich. The first 30 minutes of the game saw Emerson Palmieri and Callum Hudson-Odoi taking advantage of Thiago’s high position to attack Bayern’s defense.

To end this argument, one can safely assume that Kimmich’s presence in the center of the midfield is a must for Bayern Munich. Hasan Salihamidzic and the Board should finalize a solid right-back alternative for Benjamin Pavard.