Bavarian Football Works - Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg: 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.png2021-12-21T01:00:00+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/226050652021-12-21T01:00:00+01:002021-12-21T01:00:00+01:00Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski honored to break Gerd Muller’s calendar year scoring record
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<img alt="Bayern Munich - VfL Wolfsburg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VO96uecnG_QTg6RAurez7lVY09g=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70299680/1237295506.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tobias Hase/picture alliance via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Yet another scoring record broken by Lewandowski. The man simply cannot be stopped. </p> <p id="j92Jbv">With his 87th-minue goal in <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>’s 4-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg to close out the <em>Hinrunde</em>, Robert Lewandowski broke another one of Gerd Muller’s scoring records. With what was his 43rd Bundesliga goal of 2021, he broke Muller’s record for Bundesliga goals scored in a single calendar year, which had been 42 goals stretching all the way back to the 1971/72 season. In total, he’s now only 69 goals behind Muller’s all-time Bundesliga scoring record having just broken the single-season scoring record last season with 41 goals.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lewandowski scores goal number4⃣3⃣ of the calendar year, breaking Gerd Müller's record, which had stood for 49 years. <a href="https://t.co/PzdZJ3rdiQ">https://t.co/PzdZJ3rdiQ</a></p>— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundesliga_EN/status/1471953075162263553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a>
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<p id="kAHWCO">Like a fine wine, Lewandowski seems to continuously get better with age and he shows absolutely no signs of slowing down any time soon. As long as he stays with Bayern for another couple of seasons, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, at the very least, equal Muller’s all-time scoring record in the Bundesliga. It was a fairytale ending to last season when he broke the single season record with virtually the <em>last</em> kick of the football of the season for Bayern in their 5-2 win over FC Augsburg.</p>
<p id="nj7Kmd">Ultimately, Lewandowski said he’s just honored to be in the same conversation with a name like Gerd Muller that’s synonymous with both FC Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga itself. “It’s a great honor for me to be there with such a big name and a great personality. I know what it means to have such outstanding records. It’s not easy,” he said speaking on Bild Live, as transcribed by <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1472517900334514183?s=20">@iMiaSanMia</a> on Twitter. </p>
<p id="4OF1Ue">If Lewandowksi keeps scoring at the rate he is, it would taken him at least another two seasons to equal or better Muller’s all time scoring record in the Bundesliga, but he admitted it’s not something he genuinely thinks about right now. “There are also records that cannot be broken. It doesn’t help to think about it too much. It comes by itself, automatically,” he said.</p>
<aside id="tht25z"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"MMA star Khabib Nurmagomedov perplexed that Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski lost Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22841228/mma-ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-bayern-munichs-robert-lewandowski-lionel-messi-ballon-dor-psg-benzema"}]}'></div></aside><p id="EkdVNF"> </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/21/22846521/bayern-munich-bundesliga-robert-lewandowski-gerd-muller-scoring-record-calendar-year-season-43-goalsTomAdams712021-12-18T16:00:00+01:002021-12-18T16:00:00+01:00How Benjamin Pavard’s impromptu bathroom break created a goal for Bayern Munich
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-OSBAvJUU9Yf8IJzbnYOQdWMSEM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70290965/1358095932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Who said Pavard can’t attack? Not even Thomas Muller could’ve thought of this. </p> <p id="D1ZMCD">Robert Lewandowski needed only one more goal to beat <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> legend Gerd Muller’s all-time record for most Bundesliga goals in a single calendar year, but yesterday it was looking like he would never get it. VfL Wolfsburg dug deep and Julian Nagelsmann was subbing out his best players, making it seem like the Polish striker might not get another sniff at goal. </p>
<p id="VPt8Vc">With only 5 more minutes remaining, Bayern announced their final substitution — that of Jamal Musiala for Malik Tillman. By taking off one of the most creative players on the pitch in Musiala, Nagelsmann was sealing Lewandowski’s fate. Enter Benjamin Pavard. </p>
<p id="VPfV6H">Suddenly, there was confusion on the sidelines. Those who were watching on the TV broadcast (most of us, because it was a ghost game) were left baffled. Musiala went to the sideline, but didn’t come off. Then Malik Tillman came on without anyone going off for him. What had happened? </p>
<p id="YwtRTb">Turns out, when the ball went to the other side of the pitch, Bayern right-back Benjamin Pavard covertly exited the pitch and disappeared into the bathroom. Julian Nagelsmann recalled the incident (via <a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/sport/fcbayern/kuriosum-bei-bayern-sieg-pipi-pause-pavard-verschwindet-ploetzlich-vom-platz-art-779398">TZ</a>):</p>
<blockquote><p id="xG1prT">We wanted to change. Then Benji came out and said in French that he had to go to the bathroom. I understood that with my modest school French. Then he decided to play for another 15 seconds. He played three or four more passes. And then when the ball was on the other side, he disappeared into the bathroom.</p></blockquote>
<p id="fu6hBl">The brilliance of this move only became clear two minutes later, when Jamal Musiala — the player who was supposed to come on for Tillman — went on to assist Lewandowski’s 69th goal of the calendar year. That goal probably doesn’t happen if Pavard stays on the pitch (in more ways than one). </p>
<p id="9qBTME">So what did we learn from this weird incident? Well:</p>
<ul>
<li id="zB2ZgZ">Pavard has played in Germany for five years and still can’t say “coach, I gotta go” in German. </li>
<li id="UF7E3V">Nagelsmann speaks French too!</li>
<li id="0PLsPE">Subbing Musiala is probably a bad choice. </li>
</ul>
<p id="5BN2vz">Of course, I’m not criticizing Benji today, since you can basically credit him for a pre-assist for the goal. Could TAA or Cancelo do that? I doubt it. That’s something the stats won’t tell you. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843647/bayern-munich-benjamin-pavard-inpromptu-bathroom-break-goal-wolfsburg-robert-lewandowski-musialaIneednoname2021-12-18T10:10:08+01:002021-12-18T10:10:08+01:00Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 stomping of Wolfsburg
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<img alt="FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-BAYERN MUNICH-WOLFSBURG" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QfqcjWoLjs0Girg0FbGYGYeYPKo=/0x0:2999x1999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70289251/1237295061.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Hinrunde is over! And Bayern ended the 1st half in some style. </p> <h2 id="s3vClN">The back-three: Why does it exist? </h2>
<p id="GMC7fT">Before you skip to the comments, hear me out for a second. This isn’t another “Nooooo why does <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> play the back-three we should always play a back-four and never switch!!!” opinion (though that IS the gist of how I feel). No, this is about Julian Nagelsmann, and how see seems to want the back-three to function for Bayern. </p>
<p id="nUGKRJ">Since the last international break, Bayern Munich have mostly been playing a three-man defensive line consisting of (from left-to-right) Lucas Hernandez, Dayot Upmaecano (or Niklas Sule), and Benjamin Pavard. That style of play has the following key attributes:</p>
<ul>
<li id="T6DzhM">Alphonso Davies pushes up VERY high up the pitch, more of a winger than a wingback. </li>
<li id="H0MuNo">The right-winger moves to a right-wingback position. </li>
<li id="fpfP40">The left and right-center backs move very wide to cover more space behind the wingbacks. </li>
<li id="YCqx93">Thomas Muller moves wide to occupy the right-winger’s position. </li>
<li id="WHZ7RW">Leroy Sane occupies the left half-space. </li>
<li id="q3Bkl9">The middle center-back becomes a primary progressor of the ball in the attacking phase, while the DM (Kimmich, usually) moves up the pitch like a #8. </li>
</ul>
<p id="aBYnS9">This differs from Hansi Flick’s tried-and-tested back-four setup in the following ways:</p>
<ul>
<li id="EHdKTt">Benjamin Pavard pushes up into an aggressive RWB position. </li>
<li id="Zs2jX3">Alphonso Davies mirrors him on the left, ironically becoming more defensive because of his natural attacking tendencies. </li>
<li id="9CXwCl">The DM drops in between the center-backs to receive the ball and progress it up the pitch. </li>
<li id="haFT3m">Leroy Sane plays more like a traditional winger on the left (or on the right, as was the case under Flick). </li>
</ul>
<p id="RkAalk">In general, all the demerits of the back-three have been discussed to death, in our podcasts, in articles, and in the comments section. If you want to listen to our arguments, check our EP18 of our Flagship below (or at <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FvD5WWOMLC09bMt4v2a3o">this link</a>):</p>
<div id="A2pzn9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3FvD5WWOMLC09bMt4v2a3o?utm_source=oembed" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="BBVyWk">So why does Nagelsmann persist with it? Well, maybe we got an idea of it today. Against Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich did not start with a back-three. But they did not finish with a back-four either. It was a true hybrid — switching from the back-four to three and back repeatedly in phases during the game. </p>
<p id="Lj2WsR">Is this Nagelsmann’s endgame? Some kind of true switching hybrid? Or is the switching simply a half-measure, and something more robust is in the works? Did he go back to the back-four against Stuttgart because he had to, or because he simply thought it would be a good test-run before Wolfsburg? </p>
<p id="Kk7sXJ">Whatever it is, it’s not good enough yet — probably because it’s incomplete. Wolfsburg were not the best opponents, and even then the system showed its flaws. Where to go next? Well, the coach has a short winter break to think it out. We’ll see what he comes up with. </p>
<h2 id="dNYHba">The Rocasiala (is that a thing?) midfield shines brightly</h2>
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<img alt="FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-BAYERN MUNICH-MAINZ" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NL6CIk7A2V1puD2hoRrYVGLLcyw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23110183/1237166031.jpg">
<cite>Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>These two look great together.</figcaption>
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</div>
<p id="MCHzos">In the last two Bundesliga games, Marc Roca and Jamal Musiala have shown they can be a genuine alternative for Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka while the two are unavailable. While neither player possesses the qualities of Bayern’s starting dual pivot, together they form a partnership that seems to be better than the sum of its parts. </p>
<p id="rQTnlB">Musiala is the maverick — he presses hard, wins possession, dribbles up the pitch, tries risky passes, and does all the highlight reel stuff. Roca, meanwhile, handles the conservative side of the midfield game. Defensive positioning, recycling possession, and simply standing in the opponents’ passing channels seem to be the roles given to Roca by Nagelsmann. </p>
<p id="cZk6El">It works. Granted, Wolfsburg and Stuttgart weren’t the best opponents, but it’s not like Bayern’s other midfield solutions (Sabitzer and Tolisso) did well against poor opposition either. Musiala and Roca seem to work together because they’re so different. While the Kimmich-Goretzka pivot can do everything, Musiala-Roca can do half of everything, each. That’s really good to see, and it gives Bayern more options going forward. </p>
<h2 id="7e6WYC">The ultra-risky defending of Dayot Upamecano</h2>
<p id="kXsAEE">Julian Nagelsmann is taking a risk with Dayot Upamecano, and honestly it’s a good thing. The Frenchman did not play like a standard CB versus the Wolves — he was repeatedly pushing well outside of his position, rushing down attackers and closing passing lanes to shut down counters. He did his job superbly, having a 100% success rate with 5 tackles, and wasn’t dribbled past even once. Often, his interventions would lead to immediate counters for Bayern, preserving the team’s attacking momentum. </p>
<p id="P04gEt">Of course, this style of defending is liable to get a team in trouble. What happens when Upamecano misjudges a pass, or misses the timing on an interception? A counter, of course. Nagelsmann seems to be betting that whatever counters are caused by Upa being out of position will be dealt with by Lucas or Neuer enough times to not be a problem. His calculation paid off today, but will it always do that? Maybe not. </p>
<p id="MC88wr">It’s a big gamble by the coach, but a courageous one. That’s what a Bayern Munich coach should be like. You can’t have entertainment without risk. If Upa makes mistakes, then that’s too bad. He’ll have to be better next time. But this kind of challenge tends to improve a player, and the Frenchman has loads of talent. Of course, if it doesn’t work, there’s always Niklas Sule on the bench. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VQbmiS">
<p id="vpFFEJ">By the way, why not check our our postgame podcast? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Hu2MtOZlygPdOdP1PbME3">this link</a>.</p>
<div id="6pZK9K"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4Hu2MtOZlygPdOdP1PbME3?utm_source=oembed" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="ax8rdi">As always, we appreciate all the support!</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842867/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-observations-analysis-muller-lewandowski-nagelsmann-back-three-tacticsIneednoname2021-12-18T09:50:23+01:002021-12-18T09:50:23+01:00Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Wolfsburg
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cqUc1jDQxEkSHjzGzYjeHvs-Hwk=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70289178/1359579765.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern Munich finished the Hinrunde with a impressive win! </p> <h2 id="AKTE0o"><strong>Jersey swap: Maxence Lacroix</strong></h2>
<p id="spskY4">Wolfsburg was incredibly bad tonight. They played like they were one up the whole match and tried to defend the score — which was a terrible choice. Bayern Munich attacked throughout the game, and the one Wolves defender that stood out was Lacroix. He managed to stop Sane on several occasions and did as much as he could. </p>
<h2 id="2ng4sO"><strong>Der Kaiser: Dayot Upamecano</strong></h2>
<p id="3vaZve">Great match from the French defender. He finally managed to win a lot of duels against a physical attacker — Wout Weghorst. Upamecano simply bossed Bayern’s box and midfield part as well. He was often in Wolfsburg’s half and often created attacks for the Bavarians. He also managed to score a goal, and it wasn’t from a set piece. This tells you a lot about how Bayern played tonight. </p>
<h2 id="c4YBL3"><strong>Fußballgott: Marc Roca</strong></h2>
<p id="miVFgV">Although technically, he wasn’t the best player on the pitch, Marc Roca had a dominant performance tonight. He was very secure when he was on the ball and made a lot of great and accurate passes. Marc also defended very well and also had a couple of vital interceptions. He was brave when he went into duels and left quite an impression on me. Hopefully, the Spaniard will get more game time — at <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>, or another club on loan. Although Roca had great pass accuracy (93%), I’d love to see him take more risky, long passes. I think he has great vision and great technique. But, for now, baby steps are the best for his development. </p>
<h2 id="8XuHM0"><strong>Der Bomber: Leroy Sane</strong></h2>
<p id="FDrags">Another great match from Sane. He was very active on the left flank, and also, often switched sides, and went to the right. He scored a wonderful long-distance goal. He is having one of the best seasons of his career. Besides his goal, he was full of slick moves and helped create a lot of great moves for his teammates. Overall, he could have done better, but it was visible that the match was already won in the first half, so he was playing quite leisurely. </p>
<h2 id="kV6oe6"><strong>Meister of the Match: Thomas Muller</strong></h2>
<p id="aSDwmb">Another incredible performance from the <em>Raumdeuter</em>. He was simply unstoppable and destroyed Wolfsburg with his usual style of play. He managed to score a goal and have an assist to his name, after an incredible and visionary pass to Upamecano. It was a very difficult pass since the ball went between three opposing players and landed right on Upamecano’s head. Muller also scored his eleventh goal against Wolfsburg. There is no other club he scored more goals against, than Wolfsburg. </p>
<p id="uZiWA1">It was a great way to finish the first part of the season! </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HKF8Rk">
<p id="vpFFEJ">By the way, why not check our our postgame podcast? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Hu2MtOZlygPdOdP1PbME3">this link</a>.</p>
<div id="6pZK9K"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4Hu2MtOZlygPdOdP1PbME3?utm_source=oembed" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="w1KtXV">As always, we appreciate all the support!</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842754/bayern-munich-wolfsburg-match-awards-analysis-bundesliga-roca-dayot-upamecano-sane-mullerMiranKoFCB2021-12-18T09:00:00+01:002021-12-18T09:00:00+01:00Manuel Neuer happy with Bayern Munich’s first half, even with a few unanticipated setbacks
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v 1. FSV Mainz 05 - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/52RmcUHolFWDys2MVFHvCI4H2LU=/0x50:2010x1390/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70290333/1237224168.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The captain was pleased with the Hinrunde effort. </p> <p id="Oa6Cns"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> captain Manuel Neuer took a minute to reflect on his squad’s performance in the <em>Hinrunde </em>and the Germany international generally liked what he saw. </p>
<p id="encfgF">“We can already be proud of the finish. It wasn’t that easy when there are two coaches parked then. We still have scoring opportunities in the second half,” Neuer said. “The exit in the cup and the defeat against Frankfurt were of course negative experiences. But we mostly shined in the top games and were the team that dominated the game there.”</p>
<p id="Z0pyMo">The Bavarians, of course, walloped Wolfsburg to end the first half of the season — an very impressive period under new boss Julian Nagelsmann. As Neuer noted, there were a few setbacks and disappointing efforts mixed into the first half of the season, but overall Bayern Munich dominant. </p>
<p id="VguFuk">The Bavarians have proven they deserve to be considered among the favorites for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>...but can they stay in that echelon? We’ll find out starting in January.</p>
<aside id="uN0caY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Manuel Neuer eyeing contract extension at Bayern Munich","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/11/17/22786445/bayern-munich-manuel-neuer-contract-extension-alexander-nubel-bundesliga-dfb-pokal-champions-league"}]}'></div></aside><p id="hkL5e7"> </p>
<p id="H9CBqt"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843254/manuel-neuer-gnabry-bayern-munich-hinrunde-wolfsburg-lewandowski-sane-kimmich-muller-nagelsann-comanCSmith19192021-12-18T06:00:00+01:002021-12-18T06:00:00+01:00Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg; Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso to Real Madrid?; Bayern scoping Leeds United star?; Arsenal, AC Milan eyeing Bundesliga talent; and MORE!
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hIfqbtzWtNGdnnYf3KaxlHpZiT8=/229x0:3387x2105/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70290137/1359579614.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern Munich rolled right into the winterpause with three more points!</p> <h2 id="LIPALa"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22840993/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights"><strong>Die Folgen: Bayern’s 4-0 victory over Wolfsburg (Bavarian Football Works)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="ZgKHnL"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> took care of business against Wolfsburg as Julian Nagelsmann’s squad turned away the Wolves 4-0 in dominant fashion. Here are some quick hitters on the match: </p>
<ul>
<li id="fgJYn3">Thomas Müller really wasted no time in getting <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> started. Müller crashed the net after a shot attempt by Serge Gnabry and booted home the rebound. Koen Casteels absolutely would want that one back. </li>
<li id="rGnOpa">Wout Weghorst almost evened the game immediately, but the big Dutchman seemed to slip. Manuel Neuer made a nice save on the play as well, but if Weghorst keeps his footing on the play the game is probably knotted.</li>
<li id="oFq9lI">Wolfsburg looked passive and toothless for the most part. I’m not sure Florian Kohfeldt can turn that around. </li>
<li id="JoT7GR">Luca Waldschmidt going to Benfica derailed his career. </li>
<li id="qS8I1H">The rest of the first half was a series of Bayern Munich working creatively to try and find a way around the fleet of busses parked on the pitch. As Leroy Sane would say after the match, Bayern Munich needed to have <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843046/bayern-munich-vfl-wolfsburg-bundesliga-leroy-sane-reaction-hinrunde-lewandowski-thomas-muller">patience</a>. </li>
<li id="aLmQsE">That patience eventually paid off. </li>
<li id="gtnMla">The second half opened with a pair of Bayern Munich goals as Dayot Upamecano (57’) and Leroy Sane (59’) buried the Wolves. Müller set up Upamecano’s goal for his 13th (Bundesliga official) assist of the league season, while Sane went with his best Arjen Robben impression.</li>
<li id="pM99sk">His goal aside, Upamecano probably had his best game as a member of Bayern Munich. He matched up well against a big, physical opponent in Wout Weghorst.</li>
</ul>
<div id="Yps5t0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another ⚽️ ️ day for <a href="https://twitter.com/esmuellert_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esmuellert_</a>!<br><br>13 assists now this season, breaking his own Bundesliga record through 17 games. <a href="https://t.co/QX2dWGlcNM">pic.twitter.com/QX2dWGlcNM</a></p>— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS/status/1471964168865697794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a>
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<ul>
<li id="F1eL22">Robert Lewandowski would also get in on the act with a goal of his own in the 87th minute off of an assist from Jamal Musiala. Musiala’s assist is mostly noteworthy because he was only still in the match because Benjamin Pavard (<em>allegedly</em>) got hit with a <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/9/30/21495056/bayern-munich-tottenham-hotspur-pierre-emile-hojbjerg-toby-alderweireld-jose-mourinho">flaming spear</a> and had to immediately retreat to the locker room. </li>
<li id="ZNZppR">Otherwise, Pavard had another solid game. </li>
<li id="g3tHhA">Overall, Bayern Munich dominated, Wolfsburg floundered, and it was a pretty solid way to end the <em>Hinrunde</em>. </li>
</ul>
<p id="tBtzqN">If you missed our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22840993/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights">Initial Analysis</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842754/bayern-munich-wolfsburg-match-awards-analysis-bundesliga-roca-dayot-upamecano-sane-muller">Match Awards</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842867/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-observations-analysis-muller-lewandowski-nagelsmann-back-three-tactics">Observations</a>, and <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843057/podcast-postgame-show-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-hinrunde-muller-lewandowski-upamecano-nagelsmann-sane">Postgame Podcast</a>, give them a look or a listen: </p>
<div id="J8SAZv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4Hu2MtOZlygPdOdP1PbME3?utm_source=oembed" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<aside id="c3LNA1"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bayern Munich 4-0 Wolfsburg: Initial reactions and observations","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22840993/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlights"},{"title":"Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Wolfsburg","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842754/bayern-munich-wolfsburg-match-awards-analysis-bundesliga-roca-dayot-upamecano-sane-muller"},{"title":"Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 stomping of Wolfsburg","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842867/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-observations-analysis-muller-lewandowski-nagelsmann-back-three-tactics"},{"title":"Bavarian Podcast Works: Postgame Show — Bayern Munich 4-0 Wolfsburg (Hinrunde)","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843057/podcast-postgame-show-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-hinrunde-muller-lewandowski-upamecano-nagelsmann-sane"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="yXgj9j"><a href="https://www.jeunesfooteux.com/Leeds-Mercato-Raphinha-interesse-le-Bayern-Munich-_a50719.html"><strong>Bayern chasing Leeds man? (Jeunesfooteux)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="gNagWP">This seems...random, but here we go. Bayern Munich is said to have interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="8bJbZj">With Kingsley Coman’s future very uncertain at Bayern Munich, the Bavarian club have started prospecting to compensate for a possible departure of the French international. While there is an interest in Ousmane Dembélé whose contract will expire next June at <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a>, Bayern is also attentive to Raphinha’s situation .</p>
<p id="mKWf3s">Under contract until 2024 at Leeds United which is currently experiencing a very complicated season and which has just been crushed by <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> (7-0) in the Premier League, the 25-year-old Brazilian winger could clearly consider a departure in the event of a very interesting sporting challenge. </p>
<p id="jqPDay">Arrived in 2020 in Leeds for a little less than 19 million euros from Stade Rennais, Raphinha who remains on a big last season with 8 goals and 11 assists, is estimated at 32 million euros by the Transfermarkt site, a little less than the 40 million euros required by the current 16th in the Premier League. </p>
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<p id="ynyFZg">I don’t know...this kind of seems like a stretch.</p>
<aside id="FQuA4C"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Weekend Warm-up: A first half to remember for Bayern Munich — but the job is far from over; A throwback to “Cannonball” by The Breeders; Bundesliga predictions; and MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22841049/bayern-munich-cannonball-the-breeders-bundesliga-nagelsmann-sule-lewandowski-muller-sane-kimmich"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="XCw88l"><a href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2021/12/17/transfer-news-real-madrid-offered-chance-to-sign-kingsley-coman/"><strong>Coman to Madrid? (The Hard Tackle)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="xFe4T3">Kingsley Coman will have no shortage of suitors if he officially hits the transfer market — and now <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> is said to be in the mix: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="A87W6h">Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign 25-year-old French forward Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich.</p>
<p id="xBuMVo">According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, various intermediaries have offered Real Madrid the chance to sign Kingsley Coman on a cut-price deal in next summer’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>. Paris Saint-Germain and <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> are also courting the 25-year-old Bayern Munich forward.</p>
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<p id="dQzE8c">I don’t feel like Coman wants to leave Bayern Munich, but his entourage is assuredly going to try and push him to take the most money.</p>
<aside id="dY4EQI"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Report: Bayern Munich “Plans A, B, and C” revealed for the summer transfer window","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/15/22837223/bayern-munich-haaland-rudiger-sule-lewandowski-demebele-martinez-chiesa-schlotterbeck-coman-transfer"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="b3sfdx"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22840320/podcast-preview-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-champions-league-draw-transfer-lewndowski-haaland-sule-messi"><strong>ICYMI: The Weekend Warm-up Podcast (Bavarian Football Works)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="ikVwTd">Hey everybody! We are back for another Weekend Warm-up Podcast! This is the last edition before the team breaks, but rest assured, we’ll keep trudging forward to bring you our BFW brand of craziness even while <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> is maxing and relaxing.</p>
<p id="Vo17B5">Because of the Uber-condensed week, I’ve combined the Wolfsburg preview show into the Weekend Warm-up Podcast. I believe this is what you might call, “More Chuck for your buck!”</p>
<div id="dx8R16"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 60.6897%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/cNWU2Zeh54VJC" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="bnmSop">Anyway, here is what we have on tap:</p>
<ul>
<li id="ylMm4n">A quick look at Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg.</li>
<li id="Yd4mPW">A review of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/uefa-champions-league-draw">Champions League draw</a> fiasco.</li>
<li id="QZTGJd">An examination into Bayern Munich’s Plans A, B, and C for the summer.</li>
<li id="BUNJ2f">Some thoughts about why Bayern Munich really needs to throwing timing to the wayside and go after Erling Haaland.</li>
</ul>
<div id="He0JZU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/13wWAP2he3kuNWz0viHOUs?utm_source=oembed" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<aside id="mKI9q0"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Weekend Warm-up Podcast: A preview of Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg; A quick review of the UCL draw fiasco; Thoughts on Bayern’s rumored summer plans — including Erling Haaland; plus MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22840320/podcast-preview-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-champions-league-draw-transfer-lewndowski-haaland-sule-messi"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="Rui90e"><a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/sport/fcbayern/transfer-news-zum-fc-bayern-tolisso-in-spanien-heiss-begehrt-art-544463"><strong>Tolisso to Madrid? (Abendzeitung)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="P8AJCh">Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso already has interest from Jose Mourinho’s <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">AS Roma</a>, but now both <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a> and Real Madrid are said to have interest in the Frenchman: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="f0yPnA">The Munich club officials are said to be ready to talk when the winter changes at a rumored five to seven million euros.</p>
<p id="QSzjZX">Tolisso could wait until the summer and then leave Bayern for a free transfer and get a generous amount of cash from his new club. And there are also well-known interested parties. The Italian newspaper “Corriere dello Sport” reports that Diego Simeone would like to guide the beefy Tolisso to Atletico Madrid. The reigning Spanish champions are currently far behind their own expectations and are already 13 points behind the league leaders Real Madrid.</p>
<p id="LsjT4F">But also Real Madrid are said to have cast an eye on Corentin Tolisso, according to “Diaro Gol”. There is Carlos Ancelotti on the sideline, who knows the French well from their times together at Bayern and is said to be a big fan of the 27-year-old midfielder.</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="CLvbAP"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"It looks an awful lot like Corentin Tolisso will leave Bayern Munich","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/13/22828857/transfer-as-roma-mourinho-corentin-tolisso-bayern-munich-kimmich-goretzka-sabitzer-roca-musiala-sane"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="1EvCjU"><a href="https://www.transfermarketweb.com/bundesliga/bundesliga-two-clubs-after-hoffenheim-playmaker-grillitsch-227629"><strong>Gunners, Milan chasing Grillitsch (Transfer Market Web)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="shjA5A"><a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal FC</a> and <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> are both looking to pick up Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch — who is absolutely underrated: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="9lvJqY">Proficiently playing for Hoffenheim since 2017/18, 26-year old Austrian international defensive midfielder Florian Grillitsch has been targeted by both AS Roma and <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com">Newcastle</a>, according to latest German news. Previously tracked by a bunch more clubs, including Arsenal and <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a>, former Werder Bremen playmaker is likely to leave on an about 14 million euros transfer fee.</p>
<p id="YjLIqK">Currently on a deal with Bundesliga side until June 2022, and unlikely to extend, after his fifth season in a row fending for Achtzehn, Grillitsch, who represented Austria since the Under-19 level, has so far capped 26 times for his senior national team, including the Euro 2020 campaign, scoring one goal therein.</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="VB5aQT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Marcel Sabitzer is just one name on Bayern Munich’s wish list of midfielders","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/8/7/22612685/marcel-sabitzer-bayern-munich-midfielders-sabitzer-kimmich-goretzka-messi-muller-roca-tolisso-rhein"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22841046/aftermath-of-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-coman-tolisso-to-real-madrid-leeds-united-raphinaCSmith19192021-12-18T04:30:00+01:002021-12-18T04:30:00+01:00Bayern Munich 4-0 VfL Wolfsburg — Talking Bayern postgame reaction
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/01vi04FUGDjHQaPS4gAo6ELSIXk=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70290011/1359579768.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Check out the new Talking Bayern video for a special postgame reaction!</em> </p> <p id="SHAaBH"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> dominated Wolfsburg to end the <em>Hinrunde</em> on a strong note. Thomas Muller put together another exceptional performance and Bayern’s high line proved effective once again. On the other hand, Wolfsburg continues to struggle and have not found improved performance which they were hoping for under Florian Kolhfeldt. Watch the Talking Bayern YouTube video to hear my reactions, analysis, initial observations, and more!</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my guy (<a href="https://twitter.com/BavarianFBWorks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BavarianFBWorks</a> staffer) Jack’s Postgame reaction<a href="https://t.co/r4cPnhlPhh">https://t.co/r4cPnhlPhh</a></p>— The Barrel (@TheBarrelBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBarrelBlog/status/1472042720663379971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a>
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<p id="Iv7z9k">In this video, I go through my observations and reactions to Bayern’s offensive dominance and analyze our tactics throughout the match. I also go over Lewandowski’s turbulent last few games and the reasons why his productivity has decreased.</p>
<p id="5ywZwY">If you enjoy the video please subscribe to the channel! It is still relatively new but I have big plans for upcoming content that you’ll want to look out for. I have big plans for videos over the holiday break. There is never a shortage of great material to discuss when it comes to Bayern. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBayern"><strong>Talking Bayern on YouTube</strong></a>!</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843029/bayern-munich-vfl-wolfsburg-talking-bayern-postgame-reaction-highlights-youtube-video-muller-saneJack Laushway2021-12-18T02:30:00+01:002021-12-18T02:30:00+01:00Julian Nagelsmann reacts after Bayern’s 4-0 win over Wolfsburg
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/443lWo7LzEh_4rtIDBcGF7k50NM=/0x0:3166x2111/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70289849/1359576968.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nagelsmann spoke about his thoughts on the match and the concluding <em>Hinrunde.</em></p> <p id="ZbHHbi"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> finished out the first <em>Hinrunde </em>under newly-appointed coach Julian Nagelsmann with a 4-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg. The Bavarian manager spoke to the media after the match, and was asked how satisfied he was. Nagelsmann replied, “Very. There were many games recently where the first half was somewhat more difficult. The beginning phase was good, but then we got bogged down. Then we had luck — or a good keeper — maybe a mix of both. In the second halves, we have played strong. The goals were then played beautifully.”</p>
<p id="g9Duux">Speaking of goals, Nagelsmann was asked about the goal from Robert Lewandowski. “I was extremely happy. It was a wonderful goal, that has to be scored that way. Lewy made a great play.”</p>
<p id="NyHdaQ">Lastly, Nagelsmann was asked for his conclusions after the win. “The Bundesliga <em>Hinrunde </em>is very, very satisfactory. Also today, you have to shoot so many goals against a compact, rear-standing opponent. We had a very good control and in the second half we pressed better. We didn’t let the opponent pass the midfield line. The key in the second half was Gegenpressing — there we won more balls and had more phases of possession where the opponent was set deep. From there, we didn’t allow them to come out of it.”</p>
<aside id="4TJjiZ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 stomping of Wolfsburg","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842867/bayern-munich-vs-wolfsburg-observations-analysis-muller-lewandowski-nagelsmann-back-three-tactics"},{"title":"Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Wolfsburg","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/17/22842754/bayern-munich-wolfsburg-match-awards-analysis-bundesliga-roca-dayot-upamecano-sane-muller"},{"title":"Bavarian Podcast Works: Postgame Show — Bayern Munich 4-0 Wolfsburg (Hinrunde)","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843057/podcast-postgame-show-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-hinrunde-muller-lewandowski-upamecano-nagelsmann-sane"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/18/22843086/bayern-munich-postgame-interviews-julian-nagelsmann-manager-wolfsburg-hinrunde-robert-lewandowskiLKChuggz