The Draw Train Continues
September 11, 2022 Julian Nagelsmann for the first time this season rotated in some other players for really the first time this season. Manuel Neuer of course started in goal, but Noussair Mazraoui earned his first start of the season as Benjamin Pavard got a rest. Dayot Upamecano started along side Matthijs de Ligt with Alphonso Davies assumed his normal spot on the left.
Leon Goretzka earned his first start of the season alongside Joshua Kimmich. The attack comprised of Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala playing behind Serge Gnabry and Mathys Tel up top as Sadio Mané was rested for the first time this season.
Stuttgart came out with a lot of energy and pressed the Bayern effectively early on. As the game progressed Bayern started taking more and more control and the lead seemed inevitable. In the 36th minute they would get their lead as Davies dribbled down the left into the box and through his defender pulling it back for a waiting Tel who put it in 1-0.
After the half Stuttgart started to gain more momentum. They nearly scored in the 51st minute with an easy tap in but the goal was disallowed as Kimmich had his shirt pulled leading to the goal. However just two minutes later Stuttgart would get the leveler through Chris Führich 1-1.
Bayern however would respond almost immediately. Musiala received the ball in the box took a touch and hit it in the lower corner 2-1. From there both teams had a few chances to score but it was Stuttgart who had the better of them hitting the crossbar and having another ruled out for a foul.
Then in the 92nd minute de Ligt was late with a tackle in the box and a penalty was called which Serhou Guirassy stepped up and converted to make the match 2-2 and see Bayern draw for the third time in a row.
Things We Noticed
Problems Up Front
Once again Bayern had difficulties in front of goal. So far this season, these difficulties have manifested themselves in several different ways. For much of the last few games they struggled to put their shots anywhere that was not directly at the keeper
Today they had difficulties even creating those chances to begin with but largely were far more efficient with their shooting.
Unquestionably, part of this was due to the rotation. Mané and Sané started on the bench. Both players have been creating chances throughout much of the young season. While Gnabry has struggled a bit so far trying to find his way in his new position.
Tel played well but there are obviously going to be disconnects and mistakes from a player who is still 17. However, all of these things need to be ironed out and improved upon throughout the season. Nagelsmann needs to find a way for each of his offensive options to provide opportunities and improve their shooting.
Blip?
After three successive Bundesliga draws, Bayern are facing pressure and adversity for the first time this season. The midweek Champions League victory helps to alleviate that to a degree, but there’s no question that they will be under a lot of pressure this week.
Barca will provide a real challenge on Tuesday. Lewandowski will be looking for blood and mostly likely so will the rest of the Catalan side. Then they’ll make the short trip to Augsburg the following Saturday for a match that has proved difficult in recent years.
If Bayern come away with two victories in these matches, especially decisive victories, people will likely move on and all will be well. However, even one draw or loss will just increase the pressure on them. Jobs will be put in question. Players will face a lot of scrutiny.
Focus
This seemed to be a hot word after the match. And it’s not hard to see why. You could feel from the start that Bayern were playing with an eye on their Tuesday Champions League matchup.
These slips resulted in both goals for Stuttgart on the day and nearly lead to at least two others. Mental lapses are part of sports. They are nearly impossible to avoid and this was their first test of the season. One they failed.
There will be no such excuses come Tuesday. The schedule following the trip to Augsburg will see another couple of challenges as Leverkusen and Dortmund are on the horizon. Getting things back on track quickly is of paramount importance.
3 weeks ago part of me was (slightly and) secretly hoping Bayern would somewhat slow down, seeing the Bundesliga excitement under big risk of being dead too soon. Now the table looks exactly what I wished for, minus the performance. Ironically how fast it can changes nowadays.
Looking at this game isolated, it was very disappointing. However, putting into context, it was clear the team did not fully focus on the game, even if they said so. The intensity dropped significantly towards the end, perhaps with Bayern mentally checked out too soon. Stuttgart also deserved their point with a brave and well organized display.
This new look Nagelsmann system needs near-perfect coordination, precision and timing, it’s understandable there are occasional frustrations as the team is still learning it. The rotation makes it even worse, so here it’s an issue, since rotation is unavoidable with gruel schedule, but Nagelsmann must find a way for his system to be more consistent, and less reliant on specific personnels, faster.
I thought Mazraoui played well, did not understand why he was subbed off. On the other side, while it seems Nagelsmann wants the game to be compact both vertically and horizontally, and very center focus, sometimes I think we wee too narrow, especially Davies as whenever he runs wide with the ball he created problems for the opponent so the extremely center compact game does not fully utilize him.
I also don’t understand why Kimmich plays every game. He’s the system’s clock, yes, but with the amount of talent in centre midfield, and current tension among them for playing time, certainly it’s worth at least giving a non-Kimmich midfield paring a chance.
Finally, what’s with the current finishing? It’s abysmal.
Hi Hien, I don’t think you were alone in your wish for a more competitive league this season, though you might be among the minority of Bayern supporters!
Obviously I agree that there was a lack of focus, especially late in the game. Stuttgart played extremely well and a lot of conviction and certainly deserved the point that they ultimately earned. Mentally they need to be stronger going forward. I feel like nearly every season needs a reality check. Hopefully this is theirs.
Regarding the system, I think your partially right but I think the players are also responsible themselves. Gnabry especially needs to figure out how to find his form more consistently. Playing alongside Tel certainly didn’t help given the lack of familiarity with each other but this clearly goes beyond just this game. Ever since he’s joined he’s had really good stretches of play followed by near invisibility. At some point he has to figure out a way to minimize those times where he’s invisible.
Nagelsmann of course needs to find ways to make the system function more consistently as well. I think that hopefully will come with more game time and practice. It’s a matter of them getting things up to speed quickly though.
Regarding Kimmich, I think it’s a combination of factors. First it’s good to to have some continuity in the middle of the pitch given how important of a position it is. Second, he absolutely wants to be out there every game, and while not everyone should be afforded that same treatment, I think it’s understandable here. Third, despite all of the talent we have in midfield, we still really don’t have a direct replacement for Kimmich. No one else really does what he does or has the discipline and situational awareness he does on the pitch.
Ultimately, I do think you’re correct and there are times where it would make sense to try out different midfield pairings. However, I still think we’re likely to see Kimmich in 95% of matches regardless. Gravenberch and Sabitzer could both fall victim to too little playing time again if Goretzka stays healthy. That is a problem that we cannot afford to run into again this season. Hopefully Nagelsmann can strike a balance.
As far as the finishing…no idea. Can only hope that it improves over soon.