The Bavarians delivered a whole performance to clinch a 5-0 victory against FC Schalke.
The team did not show any indication of complacency during 90 minutes since they kept on searching for goals, and finally, got the fifth goal in the last minute of the match.
Schalke were completely outplayed in all departments of the game by the Bundesliga champions. Flick will be fulfilled by the performance, as there were many positives to take from this operation. Here are a few of the important takeaways in the match against Schalke.
Bayern had a superb end to Hinrunde since they won three league matches in a row. These wins exhibited the group’s strong character and grit as they needed to dig deep for successes against Wolfsburg and Freiburg. Much like last year, Bayern needed to chase the name in Ruckrunde as they moved to the winter break four points behind Leipzig.
Serge Gnabry endured Achilles injury during the training camp in Doha. Die Roten also endured a heavy 5-2 defeat against FC Nurnberg at a mid-season friendly. Flick kept on putting pressure on the board to signal at least two new players to enhance their odds of silverware this year.
Despite all of the chaos, Bayern has made a terrific start to Ruckrunde. Flick’s doctrine is gradually taking shape as Die Roten has been brilliant in the last third against Hertha Berlin and FC Schalke. They’ve kicked off Ruckrunde in the best way possible.
Flick needs to be certain that Bayern maintains a similar intensity in the majority of the games during the next 3 months. There’ll be a few games where they might need to dig deep for favorable outcomes. Right now, the defending champions are flying high and seem in great shape to keep the Bundesliga title.
Bayern Munich is spoiled for alternatives in central midfield. Flick has five brilliant alternatives that could play in three midfield alternatives. Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcantara can play as number eight and six, while Leon Goretzka can perform the responsibilities of a number eight and an attacking midfielder. Corentin Tolisso can play with the box to box function.
These players are a few of the best midfielders in Europe, so Flick is going to have a fantastic selection dilemma in virtually every match. The German director has managed to strike the ideal balance in central midfield, however.
All the players did not have a fixed role since they kept on interchanging places in midfield, which generated numerous passing choices for their teammates. Thiago’s goals in the previous two games completely underline the fluid nature of the midfield. He sprayed the moves from heavy to dictate the tempo of the play but sometimes jumped to the box to offer support to forwards. In a situation like this, his position was taken up by Goretzka, who’s more than good enough to dictate the flow of the match.
These minor changes from Flick have helped Bayern get the ideal balance in the midfield. No matter the employees, all three midfield players continue interchanging their roles throughout the game. This tactic might need to be dropped for large games as more discipline is needed in these matches. But it will a powerful weapon against groups that sit deep and maintain a streamlined form.
It appeared certain that Thomas Muller will get his worst season in Bavarian colors in October. The German forward was demoted to seat as Niko Kovac preferred Coutinho over him in the starting lineup.
Fast forward to 3 months, Muller is gradually racking up brilliant numbers and getting better in each match. The German ahead was brilliant against Hertha as he kept on creating havoc in Schalke’s defense with his smart movement and passing. His linkup play has been consistent for at least a month.
Muller’s imagination has been one reason behind their resurgence under Flick. The German is producing at least two-three large chances every game. He did not get an assist on Saturday, but there was a flurry of opportunities created by the German ahead.
Since Muller is appearing more and more convinced after every passing game, his ending is also showing a gradual increase. He had been on the scoresheet against Schalke and Hertha. Both goals were due to excellent placement in the box and then, calmly slotting it past the goalkeeper. If Muller manages to maintain his great form until the end of the year, then Die Roten have a fantastic probability of winning the Bundesliga and go deep in the Champions League.
It was a good performance from each Bayern player on Saturday, including the players who came off the bench. Flick will shortly have a fantastic selection headache when all players will be available and fit.
In defense, Alphonso Davies is getting better from the left-back role, whilst David Alaba appears solid in central defense. Alvaro Odriozola will shortly make his debut Bayern, so Jerome Boateng is very likely to sit out of the lineup.
The midfield is piled with some world-class gift. Flick is yet to locate a way that will keep all midfielders contented. He’s struck the perfect balance in midfield. He just needs to receive his spinning right, so that all midfielders get a reasonable amount of playing time.
In comparison to defense and midfield, the attacking department lack variety in choices. Kingsley Coman is currently nursing an injury and Gnabry has just returned from an Achilles injury, so Flick must stick with the exact players at the front three.
