Thread by @DasherFCB

THREAD— How I think Bayern should play against RB Salzburg (A), UCL RO16.

Let's start with things we will be addressing in this thread.
• Defensive Problems (& solutions)
• Possible exploitations (& solutions)
• Possible formations and style of play.

[This is completely based off how I'd want us to play, not how JN will set us up].

𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗦
(and feasible solutions)

I think it's no surprise to anyone that Bayern's defence has been awful lately.

- CBs (Süle and Upamecano) not performing up to par, and that's putting it lightly.

- Davies out and Pavard not putting in good games.

Nagelsmann's solution to the latter has effectively been shifting Lucas Hernandez to LB, and continuing to play Pavard.

As we've seen in recent games (i.e Bochum, Leipzig), it hasn't really worked too well.

What I propose —
A normal four at the back formation on paper.

A starting defensive lineup of Omar Richards (LB), Lucas Hernandez (LCB), Tanguy Nianzou (RCB), Benjamin Pavard (RB)

[Omar-Lucas-Nianzou-Pavard]

How would this work?

The key is fast centre backs. The slow pace of Süle was definitely big reason Bochum scored the first goal.

With the addition of Nianzou, he will be able to well utilize his speed to get the upper hand on Salzburg's pacy forwards, Adeyemi and Okafor.

Lucas on the other hand will play a more defensive role, responsible to running to tackles and making important clearances.

Salzburg's unforgiving front two of Adeyemi and Okafor, both whose strungest quality lies in their speed will be most kept in check with these two.

In game, our defence would switch into a back three, with Pavard as an RCB, and Kingsley Coman moving into the RWB role, as he did often before his injury and even succeeded at.

Omar and Sane would control the left flank, with Leroy playing a comparitively more centralised role.

𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
(and solutions)

A look at Salzburg's squad, with Siewald, their left midfielder and Sukic, their right midfielder both returning from injury, will be rather likely to start.

They also have Copaldo (L/R) and Bernede (L) as backups.

Salzburg's midfield plays in an interesting way.

The line up with Camara as their DM, their two men in the middle.of the pitch in this case being Copaldo/Siewald and Sukic and have Aaronson as their AM.

The two midfielders function as wingers, while also providing defensive and attacking support.

They like to push their fullbacks, Kristensen (RB) and Ulmer (LB) forward, to overload the flanks, effectively creating space in midfield and attack to cross into.

Their penultimate policy is gegenpressing and counterattacking on the wings, and their midfield and flank is crucial in helping them achieve that.

Hence, they will expolit Bayern's weak and injury ridden full backs and midfield.

Preventing this will be a tough task for Bayern with Davies out.

Omar, paired with Leroy Sané who has significantly improved his defensive contribution, and will drift to defensive areas in the midfield as well, Bayern should be good on their left.

As for their right, like I said earlier, with Coman shifting as a RWB and Pavard as a RCB (where's he's actually been rather effective).

Bayern will have to try their best to stop Ulmer and either one of Copaldo on their right flank.

It won't be an easy task at all.

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗣
For the midfield, I want to see a defensive minded pivot.

It's to not be dominated by Salzburg's Aaronson (AM) and Camara (DM) paired with their right-left pairing of [Sukic or Bernede] (R) - [Siewald or Copaldo] (L) — who hold the play together.

As a solution, I propose a midfield double pivot consisting of Marc Roca and Joshua Kimmich.

It is clear after the Bochum game that a single pivot will not work. And trying to play a defensive midfield without the only real DM in Bayern's squad, Roca, will lead to disaster.

A pivot consisting of Roca and Kimmich will essentially allow Marc to assume defensive duties while giving Kimmich freedom to attack.

Josh has been for a long time masquerading as a DM, and allowing him to attack and occasionally track back will be more effective.

For the forwards, it's rather simple. Sane on the left. Muller in his own position, Coman on the right. And obviously, Lewy up top.

Not too hard at all, standard.

Here's the full lineup, and then how we will shift play in game. (w/ plausible substitutions)

ON PAPER IN GAME

𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘
We'll start in a 4-2-3-1
Ulle
Omar - Lucas - Nianzou - Pavard
Roca - Kimmich
Sané - Müller - Coman
Lewy

We'll shift to a 3-4-2-1
Ulle
Lucas - Nianzou - Pavard
Omar (WB) - Roca - Josh - Coman (WB)
Sané - Müller
Lewy

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡
- Three back in game with Coman moving as a RWB and Pavard RCB, to counter Salzburg's insane left side

- Sané plays like the glue of the team, tracking back, making runs and controlling the left flank as well.

- Defensive minded pivot to counter all four of Salzburg's effective midfield(ers)

- Fast, pacy centre backs (Nianzou) to effectively defend against Salzburg's rapid forwards

- Müller reciprocates Sané role but is more into the middle of the pitch and works more attackingly.

PS: I didn't want to use pictures with the Getty Images trademark but they've all been copyrighted. Couldn't find any without them. My bad.

And here's some websites that helped me understand & analyse Salzburg's squad.
• totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/…
• thehardtackle.com/round-up/2022/…

That's all lads.
#MiaSanMia #SALFCB #UCL #FCB #SAL #UCLKnockouts

Likes ❤️ and RTs 🔁 massively appreciated!

Hope you enjoyed the thread. Been a rather fun one to make. Cheers, and let's go for the win today!

@iiMiaSanMia I know you think I'm cringe but you should read this thread I wrote

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