Bayern Munich: Philipp Lahm wants fixed position for Sadio Mane
After a blistering start to the season for Bayern Munich, the scoring rate has dropped significantly in the past four league games. The Bavarian club is currently struggling with inefficiency in the final third, which has eventually resulted in a winless run of four games in the Bundesliga (three draws and one defeat).
It is not surprising to see that Bayern’s problems in the attack have coincided with Sadio Mane’s dip in form. The Senegalese forward struggled against Augsburg last weekend as he looked rusty with his touches and passing. He is currently on a goal drought across seven games in all competitions, with his last goal coming against Bochum at the end of August.
Sadio Mane started the season excellently when he was used in the number nine. The front four was consistently switching positions, but Mane largely took up the positions centrally. He managed to score four goals during this phase.
Things have gone downhill for Sadio Mane after the goal against Bochum. Julian Nagelsmann has moved him to the left flank in the past few games, but there has been no change in results. While talking to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), former Bayern defender Philipp Lahm admitted that Mane needs a defined position/role to thrive.
"“Mane’s qualities are out of question. But it’s crucial that roles must be clearly assigned. I don’t see that at the moment. I currently don’t understand how the roles are defined. Everyone has to know what they have to do on the pitch.”"
Sadio Mane thrived for Liverpool in the number nine role in their incredible run across all competitions during the second half of last season. In the first few games for Bayern, Mane delivered promising performances in the same role. Bayern will be served well if he continues to play in this position instead of the left-wing position.
Julian Nagelsmann should be moving Mane back to the number nine role against Bayer Leverkusen next Friday. The 30-year-old forward scored from the spot for Senegal this weekend, so he will be returning to Munich next week on the back of solid performances for his national team. It could very well be the ideal confidence booster for the experienced forward.
During his time at Liverpool, Mane has always scored consistently. It just looks like a matter of time before he goes a scoring run and shows his best qualities in the Bavarian colours. Once he gets back in form, other forwards around him will also significantly benefit in the final third due to his impressive linkup play.
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Nagelsmann will have to formulate a solid system that can get the best out of all forwards. Die Roten needs more ruthlessness in the final third to kickstart their Bundesliga campaign. After a winless run of four league games, Bayern must get back to winning ways against Leverkusen on Friday.