Bayern Munich 0-1 Manchester City: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Bayern Munich definitely looked like the worse side in this game. Manchester City were superior in every part of the field, although their dominance did not exactly translate to goals. Julian Nagelsmann will need to go back to the drawing board, because his team were clearly second-best.
• Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane probably had the worst individual performances of any Bayern player. Kimmich made far too many errant passes and struggled to play out of the press. Sane meanwhile occupied an awkward position slightly more central to the left wing and he barely had any influence on the game. If they play like this in the actual season, Nagelsmann may have to drop them.
• In terms of bright spots — new signings Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui looked good after being subbed on, while Jamal Musiala showed why he’s still one of the most talented teenagers around. Their ability to play through Guardiola’s press was the most important highlight. The youngsters showed the veterans how it’s done in that regard.
• The officiating was terrible. If not for the referee, Bayern could have snatched a win from this game.
• Julian Nagelsmann needs to dump this back three. Kingsley Coman cannot play as a wingback, and he’s wasted on the bench. An extra midfielder or winger could’ve helped Bayern unlock City in the second half when the team was struggling for chances.

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Full time: Bayern Munich 0-1 Manchester City.

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71’ — Substitutions: Wanner, Zirkzee, Stanisic, and Vidovic come on for the final 10 minutes.

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51’ — Substitutions: Gravenberch, De Ligt, and Jamal Musiala come on for Sane, Sabitzer, and Upamecano.

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40’ — The second half is underway! Mazraoui has come on for Kingsley Coman.

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40’ — Okay it’s halftime. Haaland got the ball in the net again but it was offside.

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12’ — Kickoff! Again! We’re back in action!

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Update #4: The players are out to warm up. After a fifteen minute warmup, the game could continue. Bayern Munich are already on the pitch, Man City just came out of the tunnel.

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Update #3: The game could resume soon apparently. They’ve sent the fans back out. Stay tuned.

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12’ — Goal. This referee has been appalling. Haaland scores thanks to a foul given by the referee which wasn’t even a foul.

Now the teams go off due to lightning.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Lambeau Field! Can Bayern Munich beat Manchester City in preseason?

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Update #2: The game should kick off soon! Not much longer to wait now. We got pretty lucky there.

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Update: Game delayed due to thunderstorms at the ground. Looks like Pep Guardiola and Julian Nagelsmann will have to wait a little while to match wits against each other. We’ll update you when Bayern Munich kick off against Manchester City.

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann chooses to start a very strong lineup consisting of most of his main starters. Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Kingsley Coman start up top for Bayern Munich, while the midfield is covered by Joshua Kimmich and Marcel Sabitzer. Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies flank the center backs, where Matthijs de Ligt is curiously absent. In fact, all the new signings are missing today.

Looks like Nags wants his veterans playing the first half, at least.

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It only just started but preseason is already ramping down, but not without at least one more big game on the calendar. Bayern Munich take on Manchester City at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin in a game that should give us a good idea of how both teams are developing for the upcoming season.

Given that both Bayern and City play their respective domestic supercup games in a week’s time, both teams should be at around the same level of preparation. However Julian Nagelsmann will miss key players like Leon Goretzka (injury) and Sadio Mane (in Germany) for the game, while Pep Guardiola will be looking to debut his shiny new signing in Erling Haaland.

Heading into the game, most people have the following questions:

• Can Bayern Munich score without Robert Lewandowski?
• Can Bayern’s midfield hold its own against Man City’s press?
• Can Bayern’s defense keep a clean sheet? (Probably not)

As for the answers — we’ll just have to watch and find out.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our Weekend Warmup podcast? Listen to it below or at this link.

And PLEASE, if you like what you hear, vote for us on the World Soccer Talk — Best Club Podcast award. Go on that page and vote for Bavarian Football Works. We cannot lose to a Spurs pod!

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Match Info

Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United states

Time: 7:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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