After the defeat in Bochum, there is a lot to be clarified in Munich – both tactically and in terms of personnel. The focus is on losing the ball too easily, a defence costing 157.5 million euros – and David Alaba, who joined on a free transfer.
It is something special when FC Bayern loses 2:4. Even more so when it happens in the Bundesliga and then against a promoted team. Such defeats not only hurt, no, they contradict every self-image and self-claim at Säbener Straße. A defeat like this means a lot of talking and reappraising. This time, of course, it was the same.
The lead at the top of the table has shrunk from nine to six points, but it is still comfortable. The problem, however, is that the Bavarian defence is once again showing glaring deficiencies. Individually, Dayot Upamecano once again stood out in Bochum. The ex-Leipzig player, who cost 42.5 million euros, has so far rarely been able to perform at the required level.
If coach Julian Nagelsmann had taken him off the field earlier – Corentin Tolisso had already warmed up in the middle of the first half – Upamecano would have been completely punished. The three goals conceded within six minutes before the break were not to be expected. Which is why he took the blame afterwards: “I should have reacted quicker, changed over quicker. “
What a second six means in Nagelsmann’s system
Thereafter, the question arose in general why Nagelsmann switched from a three-man to a four-man backline and dispensed with a second six-man. The 34-year-old did not want to sacrifice an offensive player. A second six alongside Joshua Kimmich would, one would think, have been important in defensive switching.
However, a second central midfielder does not necessarily mean that there are also two sixes behind the ball. This is because the Nagelsmann system envisages Tolisso moving up in his own possession, expanding the back four behind Robert Lewandowski into a back five. This would also leave only one six-man behind the ball for opposing counterattacks.
But: A second six could possibly have avoided these simple ball losses that lead to counterattacks. Because the build-up to the game is more structured and regulated – as could be seen in the second half and as Nagelsmann explained after the game.
157.5 million euros for three defenders – but Alaba is missing
In addition to Upamecano’s mistakes, the individual quality of the other defenders is also being questioned. Lucas Hernandez, a hard worker and committed defender, needs a leader next to him. Niklas Süle, who speaks German and has been at the club the longest of the defensive players, could give orders. But he lacks the charisma and leadership skills to do so.
And Benjamin Pavard, who is also expected to play the role of centre-back, has not developed enough. Upamecano, Hernandez and Pavard together cost 157.5 million euros in transfer fees. David Alaba’s departure to Real Madrid still hurts, he is missed in the team.
But the Austrian will also be absent on Wednesday in Salzburg when the knockout phase of the Champions League begins for FC Bayern. The 2:4 in Bochum, it is hoped internally, should have been a final warning shot at the right time – and not a fundamental problem.