After some underwhelming performances in the last few weeks, Bayern Munich finally managed to turn up against RB Salzburg on Tuesday. The German club delivered a ruthless performance to win 7-1 at Allianz Arena and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski deservedly got all the headlines as he put the tie beyond Salzburg’s reach by scoring a quick-fire hattrick in the first half. Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, and Leroy Sane also got the plaudits for getting on the scoresheet. Muller scored a brace, while Gnabry and Sane had one goal to their names.
Apart from the goalscorers, Kingsley Coman also managed to deliver a complete performance in the wing-back role. The French winger also made the right decisions in the final third and heavily contributed to the team’s defense in the wing-back role.
While all media outlets had special praise for goalscorers, Nagelsmann made sure that Coman got the credit for his complete performance. While talking to the media after the game (via AZ), Nagelsmann insisted that Coman’s efforts offensively and defensively set the tone for the result at Allianz Arena.
"“One of the keys today was Kingsley Coman’s world class defensive interception at the start of the game. He’s had an incredible energetic performance. Hats off! King opened the door for us.”"
Nagelsmann decided to go all-out attack against Salzburg by using a back three with Gnabry and Coman as wing-backs. Kingsley Coman was given the duty of providing width on the left. The French winger managed to fulfill all the responsibilities of this role on Tuesday.
Defensively, Coman made sure that he was always tracking the runners to help Lucas Hernandez on the left side. The French winger showed great awareness and intensity to win second balls. The winger’s desire to put in a shift made sure that Die Roten was not outnumbered on the left flank when Salzburg tried to capitalise on turnovers.
In the final third, Coman excelled in beating his opposite full-back. He showed great awareness to square the ball to Gnabry instead of going for the goal. Die Roten benefited from Coman’s decisions as Gnabry slotted the ball past the keeper. Coman always made sure that he came on top whenever he was isolated against a defender.
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It is not a big surprise that Coman has adapted quickly to the new role. The French winger decided to sign a new deal at the club since he likes working under Nagelsmann. The German coach also has great belief in Coman. Nagelsmann reportedly added Coman to the leadership group in the first team. Die Roten will be hoping to keep getting rewards for this cordial relationship between the forward and head coach.