Bayern Munich: Should Hansi Flick change system against Lazio?
Bayern Munich finds themselves in a sticky position after dropping five points in the league last week. The performances were poor against Arminia Bielefeld and Eintracht Frankfurt, but Hansi Flick has not been helped by multiple absentees due to injuries and suspensions.
There is no respite for the German manager as the next assignment is against Lazio in the Champions League. The Italian club may not be in the best possible position in Serie A, but on their day, they are a formidable side. Let us look at possible formations that Flick can use against the Italian side on Tuesday.
Should Flick stick with 4-2-3-1, but different personnel?
Flick has achieved all success at Bayern in 4-2-3-1 formation. The German manager decided to stick with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation against Frankfurt even though his first-choice right-back was on the sidelines due to coronavirus. In the absence of Benjamin Pavard and the poor form of Bouna Sarr, Flick decided to use Niklas Sule in this position.
Sule is a good defender, but his lack of pace gets exploited in the right-back position. Both goals were created from the right flank as Sule was found in no man’s land after two players double-teamed on him.
Apart from Sule being uncomfortable in the right-back role, the number ten position was also an issue on Saturday. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was struggling to fulfill duties of a number ten. If Flick wants to stick with this same formation, he will have to make changes to personnel. Moving Joshua Kimmich in the right-back position and using Leon Goretzka as number ten should be two changes that will help the team to be better defensively and offsenively. Moving David Alaba in the midfield will be a good option as he has done well in that role.
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Switch to three at the back
Another option for Flick could be going three at the back since he has many options in the central defense. Niklas Sule, Jerome Boateng, and David Alaba can form the back three, while Alphonso Davies will play in the left wingback role.
On the right flank, there is a decision to make for Flick if he opts for this formation. In a 3-4-3 system, Gnabry well-equipped player to play as a wing-back. However, the German winger is ruled out from this game, so Leroy Sane is likely to be the plausible option. Jamal Musiala will form the front three along with Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandowski.
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Verdict
Three at the back will allow Flick to use Kimmich in the midfield. However, it is a big gamble to take in a knockout tie since players have not consistently played in this formation. Meanwhile, 4-2-3-1 with Kimmich in the right-back position will solidify back four. The World Champions need to avoid defeat on Tuesday, so going with a system that will improve defense should be getting the nod.