3 Things We Noticed: FC Bayern – Mainz 05 4-0 (2-0)

The 4-0 against Mainz 05 was a strong performance and the end to many discussions in recent weeks.

3 things we noticed:

1. Coman plays well

In the past week Ribéry was a frequently discussed topic, most of it didn’t have anything to do with his performances on the pitch, though. This could change soon. Kingsley Coman has turned a few heads with his display against Mainz. The young Frenchman doesn’t have to be in the shadow of his compatriot anymore and has shown against Mainz, that he’ll soon make higher demands.

From the start a lot of attacks went through Coman who was able to get in behind with his acceleration. His take-on ability was a big plus against Mainz as well: He completed five 5 take-ons, a number Arjen Robben would’ve been proud of in his best days. The difference between the left and right wing was intriguing, anyway. While Coman was on his own more often, Robben and Kimmich overloaded their side as a duo.

Both sides had a fair share of chances created. After the substitution of Franck Ribéry in the 60th minute, Coman also had the opportunity to show that he’s able to play on both wings. Even through the right side he created some chances. His combination play with Kimmich was superb.

The small criticism of Coman since he’s arrived in Munich remains the same: Slightly more accuracy on the final pass and more consistency in his finishing, like his spectacular miss in the first half.

In all other aspects Coman proved, that he’s a weapon in FC Bayern’s squad: Either in the starting eleven or off the bench, his pace and dribbling ability can really help the team and is only matched by Arjen Robben. That Bayern’s success is heavily reliant on the performance of their wingers is an open secret by now. Nevertheless, that Coman is decisive next to Robben and Ribéry is new.

2. Kimmich and Müller stand out

The fourteen players who featured against Mainz all delivered good to very good performances, however, two are deserving of special praise.

Thomas Müller, recently only in the news off the pitch, played really well in his “Raumdeuter” position. He repeatedly opened space with great movement on the right side which really helps Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski. “He can pull two players with him, this creates more space for the others on the pitch”, analysed Lewandowski in a post-match interview.

Against Mainz Müller did, what he does best: He was in the right place at the right time. A goal from inside the box, a brilliant cross to set up Lewandowski and a bicycle kick show, that Müller was able to convert his strength on the pitch.

Out of all attackers he had the most touches (60). The discussion, if Thomas Müller can help FC Bayern under Ancelotti is done for now.

The second star for diligence goes to Joshua Kimmich. The right-back had 144 (!) touches, provided three assists and probably delivered his best performance in a Bayern shirt. Kimmich has pulled off something most have hoped for but few expected him to do: He replaced Philipp Lahm perfectly.

Kimmich already possesses the great ability to control a game from right-back. His combination play with Arjen Robben until the 60th minute was as outstanding as his synergy with Kingsley Coman later on.

In a very good Bayern team Joshua Kimmich stood out and reinforced his extremely high importance in the eleven of Carlo Ancelotti.

3. They finally understood

It was a small scene with big impact, when Arjen Robben ran to the Bayern bench and hugged Franck Ribéry after he scored the 2-0. The two wingers, who’ve had a massive influence at FC Bayern in the past years, aren’t best mates, but understood in recent years, that they need each other to be successful.

Both underpinned that understanding with this gesture in the first half and on the substitution in the 62nd minute there was even time for a peck on the cheek.

Generally, Bayern seemed as determined and focused as ever. The team seemingly wanted to silence the talks of cracks in the team or between manager and the players, respectively – and they succeeded.

Several players mentioned a certain credo, that they need to focus on the football side of things more and so they did. It definitely looked like as if performance low from Munich was only temporary.

FC Bayern München – 1. FSV Mainz 05 4-0 (2-0)
Bayern	Neuer – Kimmich, Boateng (62´ Süle), Hummels, Rafinha – Thiago, Vidal (72´ Rudy) – Robben (62´ Ribéry), Müller, Coman – Lewandowski
Bench	Ulreich, Martínez, Tolisso, James
Mainz	Adler – Balogun, Bell, Diallo (76´ Muto) – Donati, Frei, Serdar, Brosinski (65. Gbamin) – Öztunali, Quaison, de Blasis (46´ Latza)
Bench	Zentner, Maxim, Fischer, Samperio
Goals	1-0 Müller (11´), 2-0 Robben (23´), 3-0 Lewandowski (50´), 4-0 Lewandowski (77´)
Cards	Yellow: Rafinha, Boateng / Bell, Diallo
Referee	Stegemann (Niederkassel)
Attendance	75,000 (sold out)