Julian Nagelsmann planning some changes, but Kai Havertz likely to remain in hybrid role...how does this affect Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané?

According to a report from Sport1’s Kerry Hau (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), former Bayern Munich coach and current German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann is planning some changes change to his lineup, but the back three-based hybrid formation is expected to remain.

Arsenal FC’s Kai Havertz is expected to retain his new role in the starting XI, while Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels could be pushed in at center-back. If Hummels does start, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs could push out to a wider defensive role, which would slide Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané further up the pitch where he is more comfortable:

Some national team players were surprised with Julian Nagelsmann’s approach to play two attackers in Havertz and Sané as wing-backs and entrust them with many defensive tasks. Nagelsmann had informed his team about his plan several days before the game against Turkey and held detailed video sessions - but there was a problem with the implementation, especially off the ball.

Sané, who is used to playing forward much more freely at Bayern in front of a clear right-back, struggled defensively in his new role and didn’t coordinate well with Henrichs who played right centre-back. Nagelsmann is planning at least one change defensively against Austria tomorrow, with Mats Hummels set to start. As a result, Henrichs could move to right wing-back, which would give Sané more attacking freedom in a familiar position.

Bayern Munich fans became very familiar with Nagelsmann’s endless tinkering and experimenting, but the international scene is a tough place to work on new ideas.

After losing 3-2 to Turkey on Saturday, Nagelsmann has some Germany fans starting to worry that his might be a redux of his time in Bavaria.

Looking for more analysis and discussion on Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich and the German national team? Check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Podcast on Spotify or below:

Interested in a more in-depth look at what went wrong for Germany, or do you just want to revel in our misery? Well either way, our podcast has you covered. In our newest episode, we discuss Germany’s humiliating loss to Turkey, and also take a minute to discuss whether Alphonso Davies will stay at Bayern Munich. Listen to it below or on Spotify.