With Bayern Munich holding a nearly unassailable lead heading into the second leg of their last 16 tie with Lazio, Hansi Flick could use the tie to freshen up his squad. Although it seems like taking a chance that doesn’t need to be taken, when put into context, the idea is not as farfetched as it sounds.
Players like Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, and Kingsley Coman have all been playing constantly through the last month, so could Flick rotate the squad?
Possibly yes, with Lazio needing to score at least three goals at the Allianz, changes could be made for the clash. It could be the perfect time to give Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting a start and let Lewandowski get a breather as he has been playing virtually every game for Bayern.
When it comes to Joshua Kimmich, everyone associated with Die Roten knows just what a crucial player he is, so why not let Marc Roca get some minutes to freshen up his legs? Javi Martinez is another player who has hardly been sighted with most of his appearances coming off the bench.
His versatility could prove invaluable to Flick with Martinez equally adept at playing in the center of midfield as well as in the heart of the defense should Boateng or David Alaba be rested.
Given that he started against Lazio, it would seem appropriate that young gun Jamal Musiala be handed another starting birth for the tie. He put forth another great performance against the Italians as his stock seems to rise with each passing game. It represents essentially a free-hit of sorts, with the tie in control, Flick could unleash Musiala to go about his business.
Starboy made history last time out against Lazio. 🌟#FCBLAZ @JamalMusiala pic.twitter.com/71s7pYciS4
— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) March 15, 2021
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Bouna Sarr could also potentially get some minutes but it is more likely to be as a substitute as his recent performances have left a lot to be desired. We still have to remember he is a young player and needs to be given time and it could be a good time to give him another chance to impress. Lucas Hernandez is also another player who could start with Alphonso Davies given a potential reprieve.
So there are several options available to Flick and his coaching staff but given the level of importance Bayern has placed on the Champions League, a full-strength team is a near certainty with players being rested in the second half once the tie is properly settled, but the chance to rotate will be one that crosses Hansi Flick’s mind.
The opportunity is there to freshen up the squad, particularly with Bayern playing VFB Stuttgart just three days later in the Bundesliga and one can imagine that Flick will want to keep his four-point lead at the summit.
Given that after the Stuttgart match, there is a two-week break before the crunch clash with Leipzig, it very well could be full steam ahead for Flick and his Bayern side as they look to retain the crowns that they won with ease last campaign.