Takeaways from Bayern Munich’s poor performance in Monchengladbach.
Bayern Munich suffered second league defeat of the season on Friday. Coincidentally, it came once again away from home as they surrender a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach. However, this type of performance was around the corner, considering the way Die Roten has fared over the past few weeks.
Hansi Flick went with the strongest team available on Friday as Serge Gnabry missed out due to injury, while Niklas Sule replaced Jerome Boateng in the back four. The German team started strongly by getting a two-goal lead before half an hour mark in the game.
However, things started unravelling for them when Monchengladbach got back into the game through Jonas Hoffman’s goal in the 35th minute. In the next 15-minute spell across both halves, the visitors capitulated, handing over the lead to the home side. Die Roten ramped up the pressure after going down, but Gladbach defended bravely to take all three points.
Despite the defeat on Friday, Bayern remains at the top of the table due to RB Leipzig’s loss against Borussia Dortmund. It is a good wake up call for players and the staff ahead of a grueling schedule. Here are few takeaways from a disappointing evening in Monchengladbach on Friday.
Defensive problems continue to persist in new year
The attack is not a big issue for Bayern, but the defense continues to be a persistent problem. On Friday, the defense let down the team due to multiple individual errors for all three goals. Niklas Sule was on the receiving end against Monchengladbach on Friday.
The German defender made mistakes for all three goals. In the first two goals, his positioning made sure that Jonas Hoffman was able to time the run to perfection, while he gave away the ball in the dangerous area of the pitch for the third. Pinning all the blame on Sule is not the right thing, but individual errors at the back are costing wins for Die Roten.
Along with individual errors, Flick also needs to rectify the issue of opposition consistently taking advantage of Die Roten’s high line defense. Bayern has been conceding goals when the team plays the ball in the big vacant spaces behind the back four throughout the season.
The German Champions need to start addressing the problems at the back as the attack will not be able to bail them out in every game. Moreover, such avoidable goals can cost Die Roten an opportunity to defend the CL title this season.
Goretzka and Kimmich bring some sort of control in central midfield
Bayern Munich welcomed back Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in the center of the park after two months. The midfield duo was on the pitch during the second half against Mainz last Sunday, but Kimmich was operating in the right-back position.
The performance of Kimmich and Goretzka in the central midfield was the biggest positive for the German Champions on Friday. In the first half, Kimmich was the aggressor as he was joining the attack to win the ball higher up the pitch. Meanwhile, Goretzka was sitting deep and helping the defense in the holding midfield position.
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Goretzka was not hesitating to drive the ball through central areas when he was given space. His goal was the perfect example of his willingness to join the attack even while playing in a deeper role. During the second half, Kimmich was dictating the play while Goretzka was stationed in the box as Bayern were looking to get back in the game.
Kimmich and Goretzka provide the right amount of balance in the center of the park. As they get more minutes under their belt, the performances will get better as the season progresses. Flick will be hoping that both remain fit for the rest of the campaign.
Thomas Muller needs a rest
Thomas Muller has been the creative force for Bayern in the last 18 months. In the past few weeks, the German forward’s form has tailed a bit, and he has looked tired too. Muller is one of the most reliable lieutenants on the pitch. However, he can do with a rest to get back to his best.
Muller is still efficient with his runs, and he works hard for the team, but he is missing the spark that was visible in the last 18 months under Hansi Flick. The German manager should look to give him some rest this month to get him back to his best before the crucial phase of the season.
The German manager has options in the number ten position, so the team will be able to cope with Muller’s absence for few games. Corentin Tolisso and Leon Goretzka can operate in this position, while Jamal Musiala has also shown this season that he will not look out of place in the number ten role.
Muller currently has eight goals and nine assists to his name across all competitions. He is still on track to have a very good season, but it could get even better if he is managed properly now. Muller has started 22 games already this season, playing almost every game in the congested schedule, so the drop in performances due to fatigue is understandable. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)