Bayern Munich: Takeaways from draw against Union Berlin
Takeaways from Bayern Munich’s frustrating result away from home against Union Berlin.
Bayern Munich has been struggling to get wins in the Bundesliga since the last international break in November. The German Champions have one win in the last four league games, dropping six points in three stalemates. The latest disappointing result came against Union Berlin on Saturday.
Die Roten started slowly once again and conceded in the fourth minute through a setpiece. They had to work hard to get the equalizer, but the breakthrough finally came in just after the hour mark. Union Berlin managed to hold on for a point as Bayern found it difficult to create clearcut chances. Here are key takeaways from the disappointing performance in Berlin.
Winter Break can’t come soon for Bayern Munich
It has been some year for Die Roten. They have managed to win five trophies, including a sixth Champions League title. It has been a challenging time for Bayern players this year since the schedule has been congested due to the pandemic. They are playing two games every week and then three games across three international break.
This tough schedule has led to the accumulation of fatigue in Bayern players, and it has directly impacted their performances in the last few weeks. Die Roten has been delivering below-par performances in the league, making uncharacteristic errors across the pitch. The winter break can’t come soon for the club. It will help players to recover from fatigue and be completely fresh for a demanding second half of the season as they are set to participate in the club world cup.
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Defense continues to make uncharacteristic errors
Apart from fatigue, the major concern for Die Roten is poor showing in defense over the past four weekends. The back four has been consistent throughout the year, but teams have now started exploiting the high line defense consistently.
On Saturday, the defense completely switched off on a setpiece early in the game. It was a straightforward corner routine for Union Berlin, but Die Roten defenders didn’t wake up in time to stop the goal. The uncharacteristic individual and collective mistakes are hurting Bayern, so Flick has a job on his hands to eradicate them during the winter break.
Other players need to step up in the final third
It was yet another milestone for Robert Lewandowski on Saturday. The Polish striker was making the 200th Bundesliga appearance. He marked this milestone with an important goal. The goal was created by in-form winger Kingsley Coman.
Next. Player ratings from Bayern's draw against Union Berlin. dark
Lewandowski has been a consistent source of goals for Die Roten this season, while Coman has stepped up in the past few weeks by scoring and creating goals. Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane have been quiet in the Bundesliga since the last international break. Bayern needs other attacking players to step up and make the team an even dangerous proposition in the final third.