The last few weeks have seen Bayern Munich making numerous changes in the system as Julian Nagelsmann tried to address the leaky defense. The German coach is yet to find the right balance that makes the team more resolute and devastating in the attack.
According to Sport1, Nagelsmann wants to use a three-man defense in the long run. With a back three, Nagelsmann will ideally like two attacking wing-backs to hold the width on either flank. It is a tried and tested system for Nagelsmann that helped him to get success at RB Leipzig.
At the start of the season, it was reported in Germany that Nagelsmann would straightaway implement the back three in Bavaria. However, the German coach decided to stick with the usual back four and a midfield pivot during Hinrunde. Rekordmeister enjoyed successful results and ended the year at the top of Bundesliga.
The cracks in 4-2-3-1 became visible after the winter break. Rekordmeister has conceded goals due to poor defensive organisation in almost every game in 2022. The lowest point for Rekordmeister came a week ago when they suffered a 4-2 defeat away at VfL Bochum. Die Roten concede all four goals in the first half.
The defeat at Bochum was followed by a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg in the Champions League. Die Roten was bailed out by Kingsley Coman late in the game as RB Salzburg created a lot of problems throughout the game. Even in the win against Greuther Furth, Die Roten had conceded the first goal before bouncing back strongly in the second half.
Since Nagelsmann managed to yield good results in a back three at his previous clubs, the change in the system could be good news for Bayern. In terms of personnel for this system, Die Roten will have to dip in the market to make a couple of signings.
A new right-back/right wing-back is definitely needed to make this system work. Bouna Sarr is likely to leave in the summer, while Benjamin Pavard and Josip Stanisic are not offensive-minded full-backs.
Meanwhile, Die Roten may have to get another center-back since Niklas Sule will be leaving Bavaria in the summer. The Bavarian club has been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen, while recent reports suggest Torino’s Gleison Bremer is an alternative for the Danish defender. With the right profiles of players at disposal, Nagelsmann will definitely find success with his preferred system.