Bavarian Football Works - Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin: 2021/22 Bundesliga full coverageManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2022-01-24T11:40:33+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/224097372022-01-24T11:40:33+01:002022-01-24T11:40:33+01:00Five observations from Bayern Munich’s comfortable 4-1 victory against Hertha Berlin
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<img alt="Hertha BSC v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WA31a1HOkGgZQ1gNgkNsFBvvoGU=/0x0:3440x2293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70423311/1366454164.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>“O mein Gott! Why won’t the ball just go in?!” | Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern Munich managed to put Hertha Berlin to the sword in a game where several players underperformed. </p> <h2 id="DCttQI"><strong>General Josh is back in midfield</strong></h2>
<p id="eKeSlO">Joshua Kimmich was back in his best position... the 6 spot, and it looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. In fact, this performance was among his best this season. He covered every area on the pitch, was excellent and efficient with his passing, and chipped in with two brilliant assists. The midfield general also dictated the tempo, helped with defensive duties, and shouted orders at his teammates, as usual, to help organize the team structure. This is the standard we’ve come to expect from him, and it’s good to see one of the world’s best midfielders back in top form.</p>
<h2 id="GZXYkd"><strong>When your own finishing is your enemy</strong></h2>
<p id="751xfV">That seems like a funny observation about a game that saw <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> score four goals. However, the stats convey a different story... the Bavarians were atrocious with their finishing today. Bayern had an xG of 5.19(!!!), registering 30(!!!!!) shots and having 19 of those on target. </p>
<p id="Dtaect">19!</p>
<p id="Te6Ayy">And they managed to score a paltry four. Granted, Alexander Schwolow had a superhuman game (more on that later), but you simply cannot be this inefficient in front of goal. And most of that boils down to the next observation...</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Hertha BSC v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SA1wpUNkFH_w8ZbZiZfX0a5jIHY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23189232/1237932236.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nico Paetzel/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Coman takes too much time on the ball, and is subsequently dispossessed. </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="icCLEI"><strong>Shambolic performance from the wingers</strong></h2>
<p id="HpbiAS">I hear you... Leroy Sané was actually quite decent, with a well-converted goal and a worldie that was ruled out for a handball. However, he played more centrally for most of the game, so we will be focusing more on Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry here. And goodness me... they were atrocious. Coman’s one useful action in the entire game was the assist for the first goal. For the rest of the game, he seemed to be an extra defender for Hertha, missing so many chances off some great Robert Lewandowski passes, getting dispossessed on counters, keeping the ball at his feet for way too long, and just going back to being the indecisive winger who frustrated us for years.</p>
<p id="8dUYe0">Gnabry wasn’t any better, missing sitter after sitter and just being awful in front of goal throughout the game. He did score a goal, but finishing one chance out of a thousand isn’t going to earn you a huge, lucrative contract. It’s almost like the two players had decided that the international break started a week early. Don’t get me wrong, these are two of the world’s deadliest wingers on their day. But this game was definitely one to forget for both, and not one Gnabry would want to use to make an argument for a better payday.</p>
<h2 id="KTg7js"><strong>Schwolow doing a “Yann Sommer” impression</strong></h2>
<p id="yY0sH8">This is just one of those observations that have become a thing of routine. Almost all BuLi keepers seem to have only one goal in mind: torment Bayern’s attack. Schwolow’s 13 saves in the game is a Bundesliga record for the season and at least eight of them were top-tier stops. I know just how much trauma the name “Yann Sommer” brings to Bayern fans, and Hertha’s “Berlin wall” put forth a display of that very caliber. Now, we just wait until next month when Hertha faces Bochum and Schwolow loses the plot against them.</p>
<p id="cT0EpX">Some things never change.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7b0fUxGZ3PN-UwSr_BQcvlvlYmA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23189257/1359602515.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Bayern’s best defender.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="p6iC88"><strong>Another clean sheet... until Lucas was subbed off</strong></h2>
<p id="FAw2Sy">All was merry on the defensive side of things... Niklas Süle and Lucas Hernandez were having a great game, stopping every attack and initiating counters. They were also fantastic in possession, with some strong moves forward. Things would’ve stayed the same had this continued, but alas! Nagelsmann thought he had to rest Lucas, and in came Upamecano to close the game. And that was when Bayern fans learned that they would have to wait two more weeks before the possibility of another clean sheet.</p>
<p id="BOEb62">Bayern’s defense was facing a counter during the 80th minute, and Dayot Upamecano was nowhere to be seen. Well, he was actually present right there amidst the action, but invisible at the same time, like his presence didn’t mean anything. Manuel Neuer made a fantastic save to deny the first opportunity, but Jurgen Ekkelenkamp was there to send the rebound into the empty net. Bayern’s expensive defensive acquisition then reappeared, but it was too late, and the clean sheet was lost. </p>
<p id="EX6IYJ">I know it’s harsh, but he has to do better than that. He was prone to such errors occasionally at Leipzig... we definitely don’t want “Upafart” to become a thing, do we? Maybe it has something to do with him being placed at LCB (which is clearly not his best position).</p>
<p id="8Avr2C">Moral of the story: Don’t bench Lucas if you want to finish the game with a clean sheet.</p>
<aside id="7pJ94b"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bavarian Podcast Works: Postgame Show — Bayern Munich 4 - 1 Hertha Berlin (Rückrunde) ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/1/23/22897845/bavarian-podcast-works-bayern-munich-4-1-hertha-berlin-gnabry-pavard-muller-nagelsmann-tolisso"}]}'></div></aside><p id="TDVjfx"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/1/23/22897758/bayern-munich-lewandowski-mueller-sane-kimmich-nagelsmann-hernandez-coman-observations-analysisSchnitzel012021-08-29T12:00:00+02:002021-08-29T12:00:00+02:00Leon Goretzka admires Julian Nagelsmann’s slight tweaks at Bayern Munich
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iQMcOPLgfHVBXIzM9D9pgtN0Ehw=/0x0:3585x2390/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69789564/1336915705.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The new boss is only offering subtle changes to the existing structure. </p> <p id="P2qSXb">Whenever a new manager is brought into a club, many worry about how much things will change. </p>
<p id="ZAR21z">At <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>, there was a lot of speculation that Julian Nagelsmann might want to stamp his own brand on the club, but midfielder Leon Goretzka said that has not happened. </p>
<p id="PEuG7Y">In speaking with the media after his squad’s dominant 5-0 victory over Hertha Berlin, the Germany international said Nagelsmann explained that he would only make “small changes” to what was in place at Bayern Munich. </p>
<p id="Fr4PKd">“(Nagelsmann) said from the beginning that he won’t change everything. We were too successful to change everything,” Goretzka said as captured by <a href="https://www.tz.de/sport/fc-bayern/fc-bayern-muenchen-mueller-lewandwoski-fahnen-hertha-bsc-stimmen-transfer-neuzugaenge-salihamidzic-zr-90947626.html">Tz</a>. “There are some small changes that make us even better. Today it’s worked very well.”</p>
<p id="aAvh0K">As for the Hertha Berlin contest, Goretzka said Nagelsmann’s plans were put into action by the team.</p>
<p id="qAFqcp">“A lot went well today, we did what we set out to do before the game,” Goretzka said. </p>
<aside id="WLNL4K"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Julian Nagelsmann reacts after Bayern Munich’s 5-0 win over Hertha Berlin","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/29/22646429/bayern-munich-bundesliga-victory-hertha-berlin-julian-nagelsmann-postgame-reactions-lewandowski"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/29/22646544/leon-goretzka-julian-nagelsmann-bayern-munich-lewandowski-muller-musiala-kimmich-neuer-gnabry-daviesCSmith19192021-08-29T06:00:00+02:002021-08-29T06:00:00+02:00Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin; Manchester City wants Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, or Dusan Vlahovic; Bayern eyeing Donny van de beek?; Juventus is eyeing Eden Hazard; and MORE!
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-v4y_d1kAE9V-XWsPY0Oey4ANkM=/0x0:3575x2383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69789243/1336959014.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern Munich put forth a dominant effort. </p> <h2 id="xDz10i"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22645679/bayern-munich-vs-hertha-berlin-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights"><strong>Die Folgen: Bayern’s 5-0 win over Hertha (Bavarian Football Works)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="eYzDdK">As a (sometimes) wise man said on the Bavarian Podcast Works Preview Show, Hertha Berlin was catching <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> at the wrong time. </p>
<p id="xwXP3W">And boy did they ever.</p>
<p id="Tvb6vU">The Bavarians dominated from start to finish and thanks to a lethal starting XI, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad got out to an early lead and never had to look back. Here are some quick hitters on the match: </p>
<ul>
<li id="jYD3D1">I’m not going to belabor this anyone more than I already have, but Jamal Musiala is the best wing on the team and should start every game. The kid is a player and he needs to start anytime he can.</li>
<li id="EKqgZK">Did we just witness Leroy Sane become <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Pipp">Wally Pipp</a>?</li>
<li id="nrL4sC">Sane did enter the game and make a positive impact by registering an assist. Still — to me — Musiala is the clear choice moving forward. </li>
<li id="rmI80C">I called for Thomas Müller be more assertive offensively and he answered the (fictional) bell. Bayern Munich is simply better when Müller remembers the team is even more dangerous when he is goal hungry.</li>
<li id="rDJoEM">The work between Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Robert Lewandowski, and Müller on the <em>Raumdeuter</em>’s goal. It was just a fantastic team effort.</li>
<li id="cmuCEY">Bayern Munich’s pressing was awesome. They created so much havoc for Hertha Berlin.</li>
<li id="gzLiC7">Niklas Süle and Dayot Upamecano had some iffy moments early on, but Süle went on to have a strong game, while Upamecano left early to get some rest. </li>
<li id="wO9PHR">Lewandowski is just unstoppable. What an effort on his first goal, but all three were the product of his sheer will to score.</li>
<li id="RzUtbX">Lewandowski was also just excellent with his playmaking.</li>
<li id="BpJ7PZ">Tanguy Nianzou is still too sloppy with his positioning and his challenges. For the game, though, Nianzou had more positives than negatives. </li>
<li id="7sVP2F">Davies was very good...and looked very comfortable working with Musiala. What if those two get completely aligned...yikes!</li>
<li id="t55ZFN">Josip Stanisic was impressive once again as well. </li>
<li id="CGvNJs">I did not love the work of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka on the day. They can be a lot better...and I expect them to be. </li>
<li id="vz2H6B">Manuel Neuer getting a clean sheet was great to see. </li>
<li id="OEfXoO">Overall, that was a really impressive effort from Bayern Munich to say the least. </li>
</ul>
<p id="15Vm8G">If you missed our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22645679/bayern-munich-vs-hertha-berlin-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights">Initial Analysis</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646148/bayern-munich-match-awards-player-ratings-lewandowski-mulller-jamal-musiala-kimmich-gnabry-sane">Match Awards</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646058/bayern-munich-match-observations-analysis-hertha-berlin-bundesliga-lewandowski-davies-musiala-muller">Observations</a>, or <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646140/bpw-postgame-show-bayern-munich-glorious-5-0-victory-hertha-berlin-lewandowski-gnabry-musiala-muller">Postgame Podcast</a>, give them a look or a listen: </p>
<div id="J6FEDE"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP5396652227" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<aside id="5sAtWj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bayern Munich 5-0 Hertha Berlin: Initial reactions and observations","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22645679/bayern-munich-vs-hertha-berlin-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights"},{"title":"Match Awards from Bayern’s thumping 5-0 victory against Hertha Berlin","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646148/bayern-munich-match-awards-player-ratings-lewandowski-mulller-jamal-musiala-kimmich-gnabry-sane"},{"title":"Six observations from Bayern’s dominant 5-0 victory over Hertha Berlin","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646058/bayern-munich-match-observations-analysis-hertha-berlin-bundesliga-lewandowski-davies-musiala-muller"},{"title":"BPW Postgame Show: A look back at Bayern Munich’s glorious 5-0 victory over hapless Hertha Berlin","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646140/bpw-postgame-show-bayern-munich-glorious-5-0-victory-hertha-berlin-lewandowski-gnabry-musiala-muller"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="XwOAfz"><a href="https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/08/blogs/premier-league/manchester-city-journalist-discusses-potential-robert-lewandowski-move/"><strong>City to push hard on Lewandowski (Ian McGarry via This is Futbol)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="HadlUQ">Could <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> be on the verge of a big push for Lewandowski? Ian McGarry thinks so: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="yWxTX8">Manchester City have been looking for a striker all summer following the departure of Sergio Aguero, and have seen attempts to bring in Harry Kane seemingly fall flat earlier this week. After it was recently reported that Lewandowski has apparently told the German club that he wants to leave, McGarry had this to say about the possibility of him moving to Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.</p>
<p id="J9lglF">He said: “Robert Lewandowski’s decision that he would like to seek a new challenge in football has interested Manchester City. Of course, Pep Guardiola worked with Lewandowski at Bayern Munich for three years. There still, even with people close to the deal, remains the expectation that Lewandowski is hopeful that the leverage of him wanting to leave will lead Bayern to offer him a lucrative contract extension.</p>
<p id="m3wdHl">“However, Manchester City are exploring the possibility and the option of Lewandowski because Guardiola is determined to recruit a proven goalscorer and someone who will give them an edge in terms of point strike, rather than depending on false nine or Gabriel Jesus to lead the line for City this season as they look, once again, to win the Premier League.”</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="Dtu9F9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Robert Lewandowski reaches 300 goals for Bayern Munich","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/29/22646109/bayern-munich-hertha-bsc-robert-lewandowski-bundesliga-dfb-pokal-uefa-champions-league"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="8nsDkH"><a href="https://www.transfermarketweb.com/premier-league/premier-the-only-3-options-manchester-city-has-for-its-forward-219359"><strong>In fact, Lewy is one of three options for City (Transfer Market Web)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="dhopZT">Lewandowski, however, is just one of three options City is going to consider. <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a>’s Erling Haaland and <a href="https://www.violanation.com">Fiorentina</a>’s Dusan Vlahovic are also allegedly on Manchester City’s radar: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="8otBQ3">There are only three players who could complete Pep Guardiola’s squad and occupy the spearhead of the citizen attack:</p>
<p id="QAWRNu">- Erling Haaland: the option that you like the most and, logically, the most complicated. Borussia Dortmund do not want to lose their best footballer the same summer that they released Jadon Sancho. But the past of the Norwegian’s father at the Etihad Stadium brings him closer to being that nine that completes one of the best teams in the world.</p>
<p id="wQvHI9">- Robert Lewandowski: it would not be the first time that the Polish striker has made a call to leave Bayern Munich. Faced with so much seniority, from Bavaria they are considering the possibility of getting money from him before it is too late. But yes, he is still one of the best forwards in the world. An insulting scorer who could be the chosen one.</p>
<p id="44E4eE">-Dusan Vlahovic: the Serbian striker is aware that he will leave ACF Fiorentina and the viola box has put a price on him, so it could be the option chosen by a Manchester City that wants to add young and high quality talent, such as Dusan Vlahovic.</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="TuqKdU"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Pini Zahavi offered Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski to Paris Saint-Germain ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/25/22640885/zahavi-bayern-munich-lewandowski-paris-saint-germain-psg-mbappe-messi-neymar-kane-ronaldo-coman"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="GMrkcd"><a href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/beek-nuevo-deseo-nagelsmann-medular-bayern-20210827.html"><strong>Nagelsmann wants Van de Beek? (Fichajes)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="kgeRst">Per Fichajes (we know, we know), Nagelsmann wants Bayern Munch to target <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> midfielder Donny van de Beek: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="RVVpkr">After costing nothing more and nothing less than 40 million euros, Donny van de Beek could have numbered his days as a Manchester United footballer a year after his arrival at Old Trafford from Ajax Amsterdam — which could be the Bundesliga and more specifically the Bayern Munich the new destination in the career of Dutch midfielder of 24 years.</p>
<p id="FbfGDK">And it is that Julian Nagelsmann, coach of the Bavarian team, would has put the name of Van de Beek on the table to reinforce the Bayern Munich midfield, in which there would be exits such as that of the Frenchman Corentin Tolisso, which would help make room in the core of the German champion, who would be covered with the Dutch player, who despite being an express request from the Norwegian coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has never fully trusted him to play a leading role in Manchester United.</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="TLrSQy"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Rafael Van der Vaart thinks Van de Beek should consider Bayern or Dortmund instead of Real Madrid","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/6/15/21291655/bayern-munich-ajax-real-madrid-donny-van-de-beek-rafael-van-der-vaart-borussia-dortmund-transfer"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="vbvHE3"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/27/22643017/bayern-munichs-breaking-bad-sopranos-the-wire-we-are-scientists-bundesliga-ginter-sabitzer-hofmann"><strong>ICYMI: The Weekend Warm-up Podcast (Bavarian Football Works)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="McouQW">There was no shortage of news surrounding <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> this week as the club had an active week in the media. </p>
<p id="MFLwq7">Whether it was Joshua Kimmich’s contract extension going official, ongoing transfer news, two games, and the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, there is plenty to discuss. Here is what we have on tap: </p>
<ul>
<li id="ZA8h4G">What Kimmich’s deal means moving forward. </li>
<li id="haYvrk">Bayern Munich’s performance against FC Köln and Bremer SV.</li>
<li id="PMSLPp">The latest on Marcel Sabitzer and Jonas Hofmann.</li>
<li id="TGoE98">The juicy Champions League match-ups.</li>
</ul>
<div id="2fW6yH"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP9573463467" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<aside id="FLnCij"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Weekend Warm-up: Bayern Munich’s transfer plans are still in limbo; What TV shows would you kill off; Remembering a We Are Scientists classic; Bundesliga predictions; and MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/27/22643017/bayern-munichs-breaking-bad-sopranos-the-wire-we-are-scientists-bundesliga-ginter-sabitzer-hofmann"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="hDUOT2"><a href="https://www.transfermarkt.com/juventus-want-to-sign-hazard-working-under-pressure-to-replace-cr7/view/news/391841"><strong>Juventus eyeing Hazard? (Transfermarket)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="yZZjLZ">With Cristiano Ronaldo off to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>, Juventus might be seeking to add some star power in the form of <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>’s Eden Hazard: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="pWBvfM">How will Juventus react to losing Cristiano Ronaldo just days before the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> closes? The rumors about a potential replacement for the forward who will join Manchester United have now uncovered a new name. Marca reported on Friday that Bianconeri want to sign Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard. </p>
<p id="H23r2U">Juventus are under pressure to find a replacement, and the 30-year-old Belgian, who never fully convinced at Real Madrid after joining the club in 2019, is at the very top of their list. Two years ago, Los Blancos paid €115 million to sign Hazard from Chelsea. But the midfielder managed just five goals and nine assists in 45 games. Ankle problems and COVID added to the difficulties. His market value has fallen from €150 million to €40 million. </p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="BsGv8a"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Aaron Ramsey and Eden Hazard should try Robert Lewandowski’s dessert before dinner plan","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/4/13/21219054/bayern-munich-aaron-ramsey-eden-hazard-robert-lewandowski-real-madrid-juventus-cookie-monster"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/29/22644602/bayern-munich-hertha-berlin-manchester-city-lewandowski-haaland-vlahovic-juventus-hazard-mullerCSmith19192021-08-29T00:30:00+02:002021-08-29T00:30:00+02:00Robert Lewandowski reaches 300 goals for Bayern Munich
<figure>
<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G36l2j5xbtDx_0aGsygFKGIa1lA=/0x0:4479x2986/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69788677/1336921841.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern’s top goalscorer broke yet another record on Saturday.</p> <p id="9UqcMS">Robert Lewandowski hit a personal milestone in <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>’s 5-0 victory over Hertha BSC.</p>
<p id="DAI8g1">Half an hour after Thomas Müller put Bayern up 1-0, Lewandowski doubled the score with a series of close range headers that first hit the bar, then the back of the net. In the second half, a nice set of passes from Müller and Leroy Sané found Lewandowski again, and the Poland captain tapped the ball into an empty net for his second of the game, and his 300th goal overall for FC Bayern.</p>
<p id="IgoN5d">Lewandowski thus reached this milestone in just 333 games, averaging almost a goal per game. He also recorded 65 assists in the process. His goals have helped Bayern to a myriad of titles, including the historic sextuple of last season. </p>
<p id="ItjPxS">Lewy was far from done, however, and he got his first hat trick of the season later in the game after latching onto a header from Tanguy Nianzou. He thus scored three or more goals in a single league game for the 15th time, quite an achievement.</p>
<p id="w0DMOg">Despite his latest record, however, Lewandowski didn’t make a big deal out of it. After the game, he said: “I’m not thinking about records. I’m just focused on my tasks before every game. When the team plays well, I profit from it. I’m always happy to help the team.”</p>
<p id="RgB9zG">Well, help he does indeed. Here’s to many more Bayern goals for Lewy!</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/29/22646109/bayern-munich-hertha-bsc-robert-lewandowski-bundesliga-dfb-pokal-uefa-champions-leagueTeddySonMaverick2021-08-28T23:00:00+02:002021-08-28T23:00:00+02:00Thomas Muller reacts to Bayern Munich’s 5-0 routing of Hertha Berlin
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<img alt="FC Bayern Muenchen v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OPjm29FFPSHYHm5cqW4Yco9SDAo=/0x0:3009x2006/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69788509/1234922073.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was a vintage Muller performance from the Raumdeuter today in front of 25,000 at the Allianz Arena.</p> <p id="0h4jn7">Julian Nagelsmann made it two wins out of three in the Bundesliga as <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> galloped to an impressive 5-0 win over Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena. Robert Lewandowski was the hat-trick hero and goals from Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller rounded out the scoring on what was a fantastic evening at the office for <em>Die Roten</em>.</p>
<p id="KpEVjl">With a goal and assist to show, it was a vintage Muller performance from the <em>Raumdeuter</em>. His brilliantly taken finish in the 6th minute after a beautifully clever dummy from Lewandowski got Bayern up and running early on. He showed great effort and vision winning possession deep in Hertha’s third and found Musiala in space just inside of the box for <em>“Bambi’s” </em>goal in the 49th minute, which made it 3-0 at the time. The effervescence, as Jupp Heynckes once described Muller’s movement and spatial awareness, was on full display.</p>
<p id="Heyo5T">Speaking after the match, Muller had plenty of praise for the overall team performance and felt it was the strongest of the season thus far. “In terms of play, it was our best game because the opponent played a little differently. We could figure them out. Cologne and Dortmund pressed very hard,” he said. (<a href="https://www.tz.de/sport/fc-bayern/fc-bayern-muenchen-mueller-lewandwoski-fahnen-hertha-bsc-stimmen-transfer-neuzugaenge-salihamidzic-zr-90947626.html">tz</a>). </p>
<p id="YRwLIF">For Muller’s goal, which was the opening goal of the match, there was a very clever dummy from Lewandowski on the pass from Alphonso Davies to perfectly tee up Muller’s strike. Muller jokingly said that he was surprised the Polish ace left the ball for him to strike, but was highly appreciative of the cheeky, unselfish play. “I already praised him at halftime and wanted to know if he is not yet fit or whether he has reached the next level. He doesn’t get any points for that. He wouldn’t have done that a few years ago. He also notices that, even if he plays more helpful to the team, he also scores a hat trick in passing. Who else can do that in the Bundesliga,” he emphasized. </p>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F3tCCpBxrGN723YLSy-TQGo4Jv0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811807/1336908971.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="VnOU9l">The rumors regarding Marcel Sabitzer’s potential transfer from RB Leipzig to Bayern have heated up as deadline day approaches and it looks as if an agreement between both clubs is already in place. When he was asked about the Austrian international potentially joining the ranks at Bayern, Muller remained diplomatically tight-lipped, while also offering his praises for Leipzig’s number 7. “That he is a very good player, that is absolutely clear. I don’t know anything, but I’m not on the board yet! They have become more closed, Lothar. I’m not involved in the transfer decisions,” he joked. </p>
<p id="MZqEfS">It’s now time for the international break and for Muller and the rest of Bayern’s Germany contingent, the begin a new chapter with <em>Die Mannschaft </em>now managed by Hansi Flick. They have three upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lichtenstein, North Macedonia, and Iceland. He’s looking forward to linking up with Flick and the rest of the Germany squad instead of having a bit of a break, like he did for the last couple of international breaks before the Euros this summer. “I’m happy that I don’t have a break now and that I can be part of the realignment. Now, first of all, there are compulsory tasks. Whereby, in today’s time we could be praised to heaven even after a victory over Liechtenstein,” he said. </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646225/bayern-munich-hertha-berlin-thomas-muller-reactions-robert-lewandowski-marcel-sabitzer-nagelsmannTomAdams712021-08-28T22:15:00+02:002021-08-28T22:15:00+02:00Match Awards from Bayern’s thumping 5-0 victory against Hertha Berlin
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WXFdsmyeTn99THlwbRYEjtCw_MI=/0x0:3141x2094/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69788427/1336921806.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nagelsball is starting to take form as Bayern thrash a lackluster Hertha side.</p> <p id="DlfNaE"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> were in complete control of the game beating Hertha Berlin convincingly and deservingly. The visitors had no answers to Julian Nagelsmann and his men, resulting in a goal fest for the Bavarians. A lot of the players in the team were brilliant today and made it a tough job to give awards to just a handful. However, with more and more fans back in the stadium(!) and behind the team, a game like this does a lot of positive things to both the players and the fans. Without further ado, here are the match awards: </p>
<h2 id="3ulvUj"><strong>Jersey Swap: Nobody</strong></h2>
<p id="KqC7v1">Hertha never managed to seriously threaten Bayern’s goal. They started off well with a few diagonal balls but couldn’t link up effectively to create consistent chances. The lone goal was called offside by VAR and allowed Neuer to preserve his clean sheet. </p>
<p id="8ULlCS">Suat Serdar and Tousart were the start of a majority of plays and often looked to provide for the mobile Dodi Lukabakio. However, Alphonso Davies’ excellent work saw him contain Lukabakio’s threat and prevent any counters from breaking for Hertha. </p>
<p id="1U4vS7">On the defensive side of things too, the visitors couldn’t offer enough resistance to the Bayern players who overwhelmed the Hertha defense.</p>
<h2 id="ilHe8j"><strong>Der Kaiser: Niklas Süle</strong></h2>
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<img alt="Bayern Munich - Hertha BSC" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pkoLOCsD71luqHkbLzqdnS2GC1M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811724/1234920474.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="VZUORJ">Süle was bold, mobile and took no prisoners today. Rushing higher up the pitch in to make early interceptions or muscling the opposition players off the ball, Süle was the bedrock of the Bayern backline. Süle read the opposition players perfectly and went all in for his tackles, winning all four of his duels.</p>
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<strong>Fußballgott: Thomas Müller</strong> </h2>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HBu7iOkEJQrVCizNlHc86qMuNU8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811728/1336910113.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="ubaZ5X">Joshua Kimmich had a solid game today, but Müller was once again at the root of the business on the pitch. Leading the Bayern press, Müller was often the first to steal the ball back from the visitors and begin fresh plays for Bayern. His goal to open the scoring came at the end of a delicious bit of teamwork, following which he provided one assist and was heavily involved in a lot of the attacks. Müller led the charge for 5 ball recoveries,often forcing the opposition to make awkward passes which demonstrates how crucial he is to the press — Müller started his career as a forward and he still is one of the best! </p>
<h2 id="Wd4grK"><strong>Der Bomber: Jamal Musiala</strong></h2>
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<img alt="FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-BAYERN MUNICH-HERTHA BERLIN" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fH6Tpd6rIlz0Gi2tCRAj-bhhD70=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811734/1234921313.jpg">
<cite>Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="iPO01j">This award is honestly a toss up between Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala. While Serge was brilliant right off the bat, Jamal slowly grew into the game and turned into the most annoying player for Hertha to deal with. Although he had just a goal in a high scoring game, Jamal was the primary charger in the Bayern ranks making 4 successful dribbles. His goal that came in the 49th minute was the result of a clinical finish after receiving the ball in the box with 3 defenders in front of him. Jamal’s agile feet and ball retention abilities have greatly assisted Bayern to retain and progress the ball under pressure — reminding us of Franck Ribery’s days at the club. The Allianz Arena showered its appreciation for the 18 year-old with a standing ovation during his substitution.</p>
<h2 id="ryX2Z5"><strong>Meister of the Match: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IUH64vSvyqpuYBUzvC1yrvLBQuE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811736/1336915818.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="vm5XFg">Even without his hattrick, Robert Lewandowski was the deserving candidate to win MOTM. Such was the contribution and work put in by the Pole today. What has become a common sight off late is Lewy’s dropping behind to fill the playmaker role, allowing his teammates time and space to get ahead of him before pouncing back onto incoming passes and crosses. The results are dangerous chances that Lewy has put away with precision and vigor. His tenacious header and his genius dummy that led to Müller ’s goal were the highlights of his game. The rest of the game however was a masterclass in positioning. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646148/bayern-munich-match-awards-player-ratings-lewandowski-mulller-jamal-musiala-kimmich-gnabry-saneRuneKingThor2021-08-28T21:45:00+02:002021-08-28T21:45:00+02:00BPW Postgame Show: A look back at Bayern Munich’s glorious 5-0 victory over hapless Hertha Berlin
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gtPtfUHRvE-JV64UKVTF2HVhWrc=/0x0:4266x2844/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69788356/1336924283.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bayern back at home and comfortably so! | Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern Munich hit Hertha Berlin with five goals, handing Julian Nagelsmann with his first statement victory.</p> <p id="cH7trQ"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> hit Hertha for five in a standout performance for Jamal Musiala, who deservedly received a standing ovation for an outstanding performance. Julian Nagelsmann seems to know what he is doing; his players connected very well. He also made some timely substitutions to give his players enough rest.</p>
<p id="z8voOE">Robert Lewandowski bagged a hattrick; he manages to break his own records and make it seem easy. He is eerily consistent; I think Erling Haaland is still a level below Lewandowski (tsk tsk UEFA); Lewa is an intelligent player with years of experience under his belt. He is somehow still getting better.</p>
<p id="C0236U">There was rain in Munich, but, for one, Bayern did not let the weather get in their way.</p>
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<p id="zCCK7d">Match Stats:</p>
<p id="h9uY9g">Goals: Bayern 5, Hertha 0<br>Possession: Bayern 63.4%, Hertha 36.4%<br>Total Shots: Bayern 16, Hertha 8<br>Shots on target: Bayern 6, Hertha 3</p>
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<p id="t0QJRt"><strong>For the latest and greatest in football news, Bayern news, Germany news, and </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors"><strong>transfer rumors</strong></a><strong>, be sure to visit </strong><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/"><strong>www.bavarianfootballworks.com</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646140/bpw-postgame-show-bayern-munich-glorious-5-0-victory-hertha-berlin-lewandowski-gnabry-musiala-mullerSamrin_TwinkleFCBSamrin_TwinkleFCB2021-08-28T21:10:42+02:002021-08-28T21:10:42+02:00Six observations from Bayern’s dominant 5-0 victory over Hertha Berlin
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BV3zMLP2jmVqfe_pwEVEUjLhm-M=/0x0:4155x2770/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69788288/1336921932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Woah, that was fun. | Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Die Roten were back to their best against Hertha Berlin, putting on a show in front of the home crowd. It was a stellar team performance.</p> <h2 id="JGJk8U"><strong>The Bayern of old was back on display</strong></h2>
<p id="ETVSVP"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> at their best are such a joy to watch. Yes, the team wasn’t at their absolute best today, but this came very close. Rampant from the get go, dominating possession and passages of play and controlling the tempo, this team looked well oiled. The formation that started the game is most probably Bayern’s best 11 currently (which could change when Lucas and Pavard return) and put in a magnificent shift in the first half. The second half was just as good, if not better, with the defense, midfield,and attack in sync. </p>
<h2 id="tDiDlr"><strong>Phonziala is a really good pairing</strong></h2>
<p id="w7cj0R">A new duo is taking over the left flank, and it seems like they are here to stay. Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala were both incredible today. Musiala’s chemistry with Davies is reminiscent of the chemistry between Ribery and Alaba, with the duo using their insane pace, trickery, and sublime dribbling to terrorize the Hertha backline all game. Davies had yet another productive outing, driving forward along the flank and making great overlapping runs.</p>
<p id="503lvI">Musiala (aka Messiala) was a sight to behold. He is definitely doing more than enough to keep the fire going under Bayern’s other wingers, and yet again brought his A game. His pre-assist for Bayern’s first was out of this world, and he scored Bayern’s third with a shoulder dip feint and a cut inside to send a powerful shot from distance. I saw Franck Ribéry in him that instant, and couldn’t help but feel that Musiala is the most apt player in the Bayern squad to be Ribéry’s heir. The future is bright for Bayern, and Jamal Musiala is generational.</p>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WcHaFS6dyo6qXW2sesszOwUY6DA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811659/1336916716.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Musiala celebrates with his teammates.</figcaption>
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<h2 id="XulUF4"><strong>What? A clean sheet? </strong></h2>
<p id="e7nFUJ">As unbelievable as that sounds, yes, Bayern managed to keep a Bundesliga clean sheet for the first time this season. The Bayern we’ve seen the past 2 years has always focused on scoring to almost an obsession, and this has led to the team conceding frequently. That was expected to change this season with Nagelsmann taking over, since his Leipzig side seldom conceded goals. However, Bayern started the season quite shakily, conceding 4 in the first 3 games, not a lot to be optimistic about.</p>
<p id="Gfa0UT">This game has certainly changed that considerably. The defense was stellar, and Niklas Süle did not put a foot wrong. Davies tracked back often to help out, and was great at his defensive duties, while Upamecano and Stanisic were very solid. Nianzou was introduced in the second half and looked rusty to begin with, but matured into the game with time and even chipped in with a stellar assist for Lewandowski’s 3rd. Overall, very solid from the defense, and Bayern conceding fewer while scoring high could go miles in fulfilling the club’s treble aspirations.</p>
<h2 id="wcgLMh"><strong>Robert Lewandowski has another regular outing</strong></h2>
<p id="Iy7Bdm">Just another hat-trick. Just another performance where he created loads of chances. Just another performance where he was involved in every goal. Lewandowski, the world’s best player for some time now (3 seasons at the very least) showed UEFA and France Football just what they’re missing with an outing to remember. A top notch hat-trick, 5 key chances created and involvement in some beautiful passing sequences, including an outstanding dummy that led to Bayern’s first highlight the performance of a player who has simply been untouchable for some time now.</p>
<p id="hJQ347">I am at a loss for superlatives. Bayern will win everything there is to win if Lewandowski is firing away like this, and there’s nothing you can do to stop him.</p>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Hertha BSC - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mPY0hiJ7sbB2uCkfAy9Pq7hd1fE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22811660/1336921731.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lewandowski scores. Again.</figcaption>
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<h2 id="zJDDQ2"><strong>Midfield decent, but still not there yet</strong></h2>
<p id="YPhagr">Joshua Kimmich’s contract extension was exhilarating news for Bayern fans around the world. While we are desperately waiting for Leon Goretzka’s extension to be announced, this game comes as much needed encouragement, since both midfielders were in better sync and controlled proceedings quite well. However, the lapses in passing and ball progression were still there, and Bayern’s midfield pairing hasn’t quite found its rhythm yet. It may take a bit longer, but today’s signs were very positive. </p>
<p id="RHGTgb">Bayern’s successes this season will largely depend on this duo, and we can only hope this brings them closer to their form in the previous season.</p>
<h2 id="Bb387q"><strong>Is Nagels-ball finally here?</strong></h2>
<p id="B7OS3r">I have always been a huge admirer of Nagelsmann’s footballing philosophy and tactics, and he really put on a show before the international break today. There were concerns over how things might go as the season progressed, but this game has done a lot to dispel all that. This Bayern side generated tons of chances today; more chances than I’ve seen Bayern generate in a long time. In fact, probably as long back as Bayern’s first leg against PSG in the UCL QFs last season. </p>
<p id="CsMz6P">Dominant, beautiful passing and insane chance creation characterized the high-octane, smart pressing style Bayern adopted this game. Yes, the attack and the defense clicked really well, but it also seemed like the tactics have started to settle in. The players are implementing “Nagels-ball”, and it looks <em>really good</em>. Let us hope this is just the beginning of a really long spell of top notch football under Nagelsmann.</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/28/22646058/bayern-munich-match-observations-analysis-hertha-berlin-bundesliga-lewandowski-davies-musiala-mullerSchnitzel01