Bavarian Football Works - Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: 2021/22 Bundesliga full coverage Manufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2022-03-16T23:00:00+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/227268092022-03-16T23:00:00+01:002022-03-16T23:00:00+01:00Report: Julian Nagelsmann gave Leroy Sane stern words in buildup to Bayern Munich’s draw vs. Bayer Leverkusen
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WLd7v83iVeWCoXp5PdvngPO0uDE=/205x0:2407x1468/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70632670/1380595803.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nagelsmann gave Sane a bit of a verbal check to spur his performances on to get better. </p> <p id="3KU4Sb">Leroy Sane has been a completely revitalized player ever since he was booed at the Allianz Arena by <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> fans early on in the <em>Hinrunde</em>. His overall performances have significantly improved for both Bayern and the German national team and he has been a key piece of Bayern’s attack as the still sit atop the Bundesliga table and await to find out who their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> quarter-finals opponents will be. So far this season, he’s tallied 14 goals and 15 assists from a total of 36 appearances across all competitions for Bayern.</p>
<p id="QFOOJS">Despite his overall strong resurgence this season, Julian Nagelsmann felt he expected more from Sane in recent weeks. He had benched the winger for the Bundesliga matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, coming on as a sub on both occasions before getting reinstated to the starting lineup for the Champions League clash against RB Salzburg. </p>
<p id="BRfjeV">Per a recent report from Sport Bild (via <a href="https://www.spox.com/de/sport/fussball/bundesliga/fc-bayern/2203/Artikel/nagelsmann-zu-sane-vor-leverkusen-spiel-wenn-du-keinen-bock-hast-kannst-du-auch-wieder-reingehen.html">SPOX</a>), Nagelsmann verbally called out Sane in front of the entire squad during a training session prior to Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Leverkusen. Despite scoring the match winner as a sub against Frankfurt the weekend prior, Nagelsmann had not been entirely pleased with Sane’s overall performances as of late, so he made the decision to give him a few stern words in front of the team. “Leroy, iIf you don’t feel like it, you can go back in,” he exclaimed to the winger in front of all of his teammates at Sabener Strasse. </p>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München - Training Session" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sPcnMn-G8xeBvyso73LSmkfLa-Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23320935/1239004956.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="8PD4lV">At least for the match against Salzburg in the Champions League, Sane seemed to have taken Nagelsmann’s verbal warning to heart as he scored once and provided two assists in the 7-1 routing of the Austrian outfit. In the following league match against Hoffenheim, Sane had a number of chances to score, but failed to hit the target, much like a handful of his teammates on the afternoon as Bayern scraped to a 1-1 draw in Sinsheim. As a collective, Bayern didn’t do enough to take full points against Nagelsmann’s former club, and it’d be entirely too harsh to single out Sane for that result. </p>
<aside id="VV192J"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann bothered by criticism over tactics","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/14/22976685/bayern-munich-julian-nagelsmann-kingsley-coman-serge-gnabry-kimmich-musiala-neuer-muller-lewandowski"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/16/22981199/bayern-munich-julian-nagelsmann-leroy-sane-verbal-warning-training-sabener-strasse-leverkusen-uclTomAdams712022-03-07T10:45:08+01:002022-03-07T10:45:08+01:00Leroy Sane was benched for tactical reasons, confirms Julian Nagelsmann
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FfP9RsUwrqB1BpeuG2R5RHDeeeo=/15x0:2217x1468/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70586510/1380595803.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Sane has not started a game for over two weeks now. </p> <p id="2knmIK">When <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> revealed their starting XI an hour before kickoff on Sunday, fans were surprised to see Leroy Sane on the bench. Despite being left out of the lineup against Frankfurt and having a full week of rest, the 26-year-old once again found himself on the bench vs Bayer Leverkusen. With no reports of a possible injury, observers were baffled by the decision to leave Sane out against the 3rd placed team in the league. </p>
<p id="y8aXkt">Speaking to the media following the game, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann explained the thinking behind the decision to omit Sane from the lineup:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nagelsmann on why Sané didn't start vs. Leverkusen: "It wasn't a decision against Leroy but, as always, a decision for those who started. The decision to form a back four with Omar Richards was necessary due to the absence of Lucas Hernández & Leverkusen's strength on the counter <a href="https://t.co/FHVXcrTzeW">pic.twitter.com/FHVXcrTzeW</a></p>— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1500448582373191686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a>
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<p id="Om5EVE">Nagelsmann continued by saying:</p>
<blockquote><p id="zl7Hvq">Leroy also has qualities off the bench, as we saw last week. That’s what we were hoping for. He didn’t have that decisive moment, but he still made two or three good attempts in the opponent’s penalty area.</p></blockquote>
<p id="478BNu">Unfortunately that’s only half the answer — the coach didn’t explain why he couldn’t have rested either Serge Gnabry or Kingsley Coman, especially with a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> game in midweek. Either of those players could’ve used the rest, and Sane himself would hardly turn down game time. But since there were no reports of an injury, we’ll have to assume that the decision was tactical. </p>
<p id="YW40Rz">So will Sane start against Salbzurg in midweek? Nagelsmann hasn’t said anything on the subject, but you can assume that he will. If it somehow doesn’t happen, and Bayern go on to lose the game, well ... what kind of a coach would take that risk? </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="iNNWhd">
<p id="PuH6tP">If you’re looking for more analysis of the game, why not check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963047/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-postgame-podcast-analysis-mentality-nagelsmann-muller-musiala">postgame podcast</a>? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/bavarian-football-works?selected=VMP4283757766">this link</a>.</p>
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<p id="KQdA7f">As always, we appreciate all the support!</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/6/22964394/bayern-munich-nagelsmann-explains-leroy-sane-benched-draw-bayer-leverkusen-salzburg-champions-leagueIneednoname2022-03-06T14:00:00+01:002022-03-06T14:00:00+01:00Serge Gnabry, Sven Ulreich not satisfied after Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen
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<img alt="Eintracht Frankfurt v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xbyr4J2BP7ad93bdKmSQcIalk-E=/0x0:4835x3223/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70585466/1376090759.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>No one was happy after earning a draw. </p> <p id="LQerjt">It would be hard to imagine that anyone associated with <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> was overly happy after the squad’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. </p>
<p id="TH8Ygo">Serge Gnabry and Sven Ulreich spoke openly about the disappointment in not being able to win the match.</p>
<p id="nKb2FM">“We are not 100% satisfied, of course we wanted to win and build on the lead we have at the top of the Bundesliga. But of course Leverkusen are a very good side who can make it difficult for us. In the first half, Leverkusen had a few chances, in the end we can also count ourselves lucky,” Gnabry said (as captured by <a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2022/03/reaction-fc-bayern-vs.-bayer-04-leverkusen-md25">FCBayern.com</a>). “When their equalizer comes out of thin air like that, it takes a the wind out of our sails and gives the opponent the confidence to up their game. We should have put the same pressure on them as we did in the first 30 minutes. We didn’t manage that.”</p>
<p id="zROmy2">Ulreich was disappointed to not come away with three points. </p>
<p id="ybhI8g">“We expected more here at home — and in fact in the first 30 minutes we played really well. Then we lost our mojo a bit and didn’t play with the same type of consistency. In the end a draw was a fair result, but we came away a bit disappointed. We wanted to go into the game today and get three points to build on our lead at the top. Now we’re just happy to have come away with the one point,” Ulreich said. </p>
<aside id="SGCZLR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963023/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-draw-observations-florian-wirtz-dayot-upamecano-lewandowski"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/6/22963758/serge-gnabry-sven-ulreich-bayern-munich-bundesliga-bayer-leverkusen-lewandowski-muller-upamecanoCSmith19192022-03-06T10:45:25+01:002022-03-06T10:45:25+01:00Bavarian Podcast Works: Postgame Rant — Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Sad but not explicit)
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oFb36cp6vB3FKFxPgwnjyKKA1C8=/0x0:4782x3188/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70583539/1380459485.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We discuss the aftermath of Bayern Munich’s disappointing draw to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.</p> <p id="8Duut9">Well that wasn’t great. <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> just drew 1-1 against Bayer Leverkusen in a game that honestly could’ve been a loss if not for some awful finishing. Julian Nagelsmann looks like he’s treading water at the moment as his tactics and substitutions failed to net Bayern three points over a Leverkusen side missing their main striker. Questions will be asked about this one, and the answers won’t be pretty. </p>
<p id="czMSHv">Here are our talking points from the game:</p>
<ul>
<li id="sEsrYD">Definitive signs of mentality issues under Julian Nagelsmann.</li>
<li id="TECWVl">Why Omar Richards should be the starting left-back as long as Alphonso Davies remains out. </li>
<li id="MxPa2z">Rounding out some of the other positive performances — Ulreich and Pavard. </li>
<li id="UCe0tD">Another shutout game for Robert Lewandowski. </li>
<li id="46QZCo">Is Thomas Muller ineffective in this system? </li>
<li id="ctRF2X">The big problem Jamal Musiala had today — good decision making held back by poor execution. </li>
<li id="W40H3n">Is Dayot Upamecano becoming a 42 million euro mistake? </li>
<li id="IyiKiU">Warning signs for the upcoming game against RB Salzburg in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. </li>
<li id="Q8dGQi">Has Julian Nagelsmann been carried by individual brilliance? The poor decision making behind his subs. </li>
<li id="PJQOZV">A depressing picture of the long and short-term problems facing Bayern Munich at the moment. </li>
</ul>
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<p id="7y499K">As always, we love your feedback and appreciate all the support!</p>
<p id="AAK57a">Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @jeffersonfenner, @TheBarrelBlog, @tommyadams71, @bfwinnn, and more.</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963047/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-postgame-podcast-analysis-mentality-nagelsmann-muller-musialaIneednoname2022-03-06T03:54:23+01:002022-03-06T03:54:23+01:00Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vQDmx46rZrhkHPA_OY1pcHHxaaw=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70583485/1380435869.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Thomas Müller had a game to forget in FC Bayern’s latest disappointing result against Bayer Leverkusen 04</p> <h2 id="F4L2dY"><strong>Time to worry about Nagelsmann?</strong></h2>
<p id="ipVquA">Let me preface this section with this: Julian Nagelsmann is a really, really talented coach. He’s only 34 years old, 3 years younger than when Pep Guardiola started coaching at Barcelona. His track record with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig is excellent. That being said, a number of worrying trends have become quite frequent with Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich, and that is massive defensive lapses. </p>
<p id="BvCBKK">While FC Bayern has scored an absurd amount of goals thanks to the machine that Robert Lewandowski is, their defense has already given up 27 goals. While it is still one of the better tally's in the Bundesliga, it’s still abysmal considering the defensive talent we have in Upamecano, Hernandez, and Süle. FC Bayern seem to continue to have problems adjusting to Nagelsmann’s back-3 system. Far too often, this game included, Bayern have pressed absurdly high and have allowed extensive space for their opposition to get quality opportunities on goal. Quite simply, Bayern is fortunate to have earned a draw this game considering the chances they allowed Leverkusen. It’s worth keeping an eye on Davies return as he is starting to look like the key cog in the system. </p>
<p id="gfN3A3">FC Bayern continue to struggle, and while key absences such as Neuer and Davies matter, they’re happening with a frequency that should not be allowed to continue if we want to seriously challenge for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> title. Hopefully Nagelsmann figures it out so we don’t waste another year of peak Müller and Lewandowski. </p>
<h2 id="vhXnkB"><strong>Oh poor Thommy.</strong></h2>
<p id="IFbIvQ">I have to wonder if this was simply a miscommunication between Ulreich and Müller, but ooof. I’m not sure this would’ve happened with Manuel Neuer in net. We can’t have that happen, Thommy. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This own goal from Thomas Muller ♂️ <a href="https://t.co/bTYLR6Jc9f">pic.twitter.com/bTYLR6Jc9f</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1500127599996989440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="HVzXcK"><strong>The invisible Florian Wirtz</strong></h2>
<p id="lgszvE">For all of the talk of Florian Wirtz and FC Bayern, Wirtz did himself no favors this game. He had a marginal impact on the game in which he should’ve been the focal point with talisman Patrick Schick’s extended absence. According to WhoScored, Wirtz scored a rather-bad 6.1 for his performance this game and the underlying stats tell you why: He had a dreadful 57% pass completion rate (Compared to Kimich’s 91%, for example). </p>
<p id="4vNSIm">He mustered only 1 shot, 1 tackle, and won 1 aerial duel. In essence, he was largely invisible. Yes he’s very young, but this was a game in which he needed to showcase his class with Schick out and he just simply failed to do so. It’s worth tracking his performances over the remainder of the year, but early indications show he might not be ready for the trials and challenges of FC <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="vudH27">
<p id="PuH6tP">If you’re looking for more analysis of the game, why not check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963047/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-postgame-podcast-analysis-mentality-nagelsmann-muller-musiala">postgame podcast</a>? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/bavarian-football-works?selected=VMP4283757766">this link</a>.</p>
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<p id="KQdA7f">As always, we appreciate all the support!</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963023/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-draw-observations-florian-wirtz-dayot-upamecano-lewandowskiJTobolt2022-03-06T03:51:04+01:002022-03-06T03:51:04+01:00Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7-mqpMNbzGNo1KaIvyIniR38cHk=/1x0:4486x2990/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70583437/1380498807.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was a weird but entertaining game that Bayern deserved to only get a point from.</p> <p id="Vhw9Mc">Neither <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> nor Bayer Leverkusen deserved to win this game. The former for their underperformance and the latter for serial bottling chance after chance. Without further ado, lets get into the awards:</p>
<h2 id="WTLSpN"><strong>Jersey Swap: Edmond Tapsoba</strong></h2>
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<img alt="Bayern Munich - Bayer Leverkusen" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UUwsquj-2nIevy1xQbv5jYI7V4k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23291206/1238949032.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="gUtkg7">Leverkusen had a tight defence today. With the Bayern attack not at their best, the 1-1 draw does not come as a surprise. Bayern’s attacks were at times great, that is until they reached Leverkusen’s box. After that, it was a different story as Bayern ran out of ideas and options with a white wall in front of them. A lot of credit goes to Gerardo Seoane and his men for not giving Bayern any space at all in the box. </p>
<p id="ng52DJ">Tapsoba and his teammate Piero Hinacpie held the homeside off superbly. Tapsoba was vital to cloud Lewy’s space, winning all 4 of his aerial duels. Hincapie on the other hand had 5 interceptions. Had their attackers been as good as their defenders, Die Werkself would have walked away with all three points from the allianz Arena.</p>
<h2 id="qiDl8p"><strong>Der Kaiser: Omar Richards</strong></h2>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RaIbzsYcs0OOoSn_Lxm8urr47Q0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23291207/1238947874.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="gX2Uo6">The 24 year old stabilised the defence filling the void of Alpohonso Davies to an extent. While he couldn’t replicate Davies’ offensive prowess, Richards however played a crucial role in preventing the homeside getting caught behind. He apprehended opposition movements brilliantly and used his pace to quickly shut down attacks. Against the blistering pace of Leverkusen, Richards’ strong performance was vital considering the absence of Davies and Lucas Hernandez. </p>
<p id="uVlrdS">Dayot Upamecano wins this award had he not decided to doze off after the 40th minute. The ensuing chaos in the next 5 minutes had us at the edge of our seats. The back line fell apart and Upamecano was all over the place. At this point, Dayot looks like he might need a couple of seasons to take these rough edges out.</p>
<h2 id="gUHqDl"><strong>Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich</strong></h2>
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HXN6gN4J59RKg4b0dnA-Psk017w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23291210/1380459485.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="WXwUT4">The number 6 had a typical Kimmich performance today. With a mostly stable back 4 behind him and a pro-active attack, Kimmich had a much better performance than in the recent past. Ball recoveries, dummies, clever through balls to the attackers on the move. Like the rest of his team, Kimmich had a few dangerous mistakes and failed to unlock Leverkusen’s defence for the winning goal. </p>
<h2 id="uzt02u"><strong>Der Bomber: Kingsley Coman</strong></h2>
<p id="hKmHSS">Despite the Bayern attack looking very dynamic, they failed to supply Robert Lewandowski today who was completely starved of service in the box. They made some dangerous moves but the final ball lacked creativity to get past the water tight Leverkusen defence. Coman was the most lively among the Bayern ranks. There were some flashes of brilliance when he paired up with Serge Gnabry, Musiala and Muller but those flashes just fizzled out. </p>
<h2 id="Wesoza"><strong>Meister of the Match: Nobody</strong></h2>
<p id="cIfc43">Julian Nagelsmann’s men still have to figure out several issues. The backline seems stable for now with Richards at left-back. However, Upamecano and Pavard suffer from consistency issues. Kimmich and Muller aren’t at 100 percent, whether it is due to Goretzka’s absence or a systemic issue is yet to be seen. Coming up against crowded boxes, Bayern needs a <em>Kamikaze </em>player who runs into bodies. Goretzka being the only such person in the squad is worrying and something for the snoozing transfer department to take care of.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="em3qQB">
<p id="PuH6tP">If you’re looking for more analysis of the game, why not check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963047/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-postgame-podcast-analysis-mentality-nagelsmann-muller-musiala">postgame podcast</a>? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/bavarian-football-works?selected=VMP4283757766">this link</a>.</p>
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<p id="zVlbGs">As always, we appreciate all the support!</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963038/bayern-munich-match-awards-player-ratings-kimmich-coman-richards-upamecano-pavard-leverkusen-wirtzRuneKingThor2022-03-05T22:30:00+01:002022-03-05T22:30:00+01:00Bayern Munich star Niklas Süle laments failure against Bayer Leverkusen, won’t talk about Borussia Dortmund
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yt46drmAI7O1QbZVyv86Z1SkyqA=/0x5:5226x3489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70584053/1380403744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It could have been three points, but it ended up being another disjointed effort for Bayern Munich.</p> <p id="fpdOdW"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> defender Niklas Süle scored in the 18th minute to give his club an early 1-0 lead over Bayer Leverkusen, but the soon-to-be <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a> center-back saw his squad scuffle and eventually settle for a draw. </p>
<p id="3Eytsv">It was not exactly the result anyone was looking for. </p>
<p id="b2yUPd">“We played one of our best 30 minutes of the season. After the unfortunate equalizer, we lost focus and lost the ball too easily. We allowed the opponent to get back into the game. That must not happen to us,” Süle said (as captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1500166798578266119?s=20&t=5FsGnGNIjVzlxkGUQ92p2Q">@iMiaSanMia</a>). “We allowed two or three big chances within five minutes. In the second half we had more control. But of course we wanted more today. The 1-1 draw is not enough.”</p>
<p id="4yYAeg">As for the upcoming move to Borussia Dortmund, Süle is not ready to discuss that just yet and would rather focus on trying to win the two remaining titles that Bayern Munich still fighting for. </p>
<p id="Adb4Jy">“I deliberately haven’t spoken out yet. I’m still a Bayern player. There are still two big titles to play for and I will give everything to make sure Dortmund finish second this season,” Süle said (as captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1500166798578266119?s=20&t=5FsGnGNIjVzlxkGUQ92p2Q">@iMiaSanMia</a>). “I’m nothing but grateful. I’ll give everything for this club until the last day, hopefully with two more titles. I believe in that. I’m grateful for the way people here are coping with my decision.”</p>
<aside id="pudpcq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963023/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-draw-observations-florian-wirtz-dayot-upamecano-lewandowski"}]}'></div></aside><p id="Wrrs3A"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22963153/bayern-munich-star-niklas-sule-bundesliga-bayer-leverkusen-transfer-borussia-dortmund-upamecano-saneCSmith19192022-03-05T17:30:25+01:002022-03-05T17:30:25+01:00Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Initial reactions and observations
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TAfyxnjq9RRAN4cw7JG87YAPX14=/0x0:4709x3139/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70582488/1351029440.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Turns out even Bayern can’t win games with just 35 minutes of effort. </p> <h2 id="oLegGU">Initial reactions and observations</h2>
<ul>
<li id="vlMJO9">It’s full time and Bayern Munich did NOT recover from that own goal in the first half. Under Flick this team looked like it could make a comeback against anyone. Now, they look like a single goal can make everything come undone. </li>
<li id="EWfPjy">Robert Lewandowski had horrendous luck with headers today, but honestly the number of chances falling to him never seems to go up. This is a hallmark of the Nagelsmann era no matter which system has been used, and it’s going to cost the team dearly. </li>
<li id="KMnIbt">Thomas Muller had a pretty bad game today, but subbing him off didn’t make anything better. Rule #2, never sub Muller, remains in play. </li>
<li id="eDhd6p">Omar Richards being subbed made no sense. He played so well too. </li>
<li id="WmEybc">Jamal Musiala had a rough game today in his pseudo AM/B2B role. He definitely wasn’t playing the Thiago role, but that’s probably a discussion for another time. </li>
</ul>
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<p id="2BHb5g"><strong>Full time: </strong>Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen. </p>
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<p id="prC3Iy"><strong>73’ — Sub:</strong> Choupo-Moting on for Serge Gnabry. </p>
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<p id="6JMupk"><strong>60’ — Double sub: </strong>Sabitzer and Sane on for Muller and Richards. </p>
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<p id="9EsIdQ"><strong>45’ —</strong> The second half is underway now. </p>
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<h2 id="OtwoWO">Halftime observations and analysis</h2>
<ul>
<li id="27T31O">Bayern Munich were in complete control for 35 minutes. What the hell happened? The own goal was unfortunate but then the team just fell apart completely. Not a good look for the team’s mentality. </li>
<li id="wM624z">This formation is the most 4-2-3-1-like 4-2-3-1 we’ve seen in a long time from Nagelsmann. Overall, the gameplay has been good — but the mistakes just reached critical mass in the last 10 minutes of the 1st half. </li>
<li id="jxiCEE">This is a good time for Nagelsmann to go all out in the halftime team talk. If Bayern play like that in the second half, it’s going to be a massacre for Leverkusen. </li>
</ul>
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<p id="utP8Ug"><strong>Halftime:</strong> Bayern 1-1 Leverkusen. </p>
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<p id="KLrU0h"><strong>36’ — Goal. </strong>Damn! Bayern were doing so well, but a free kick from them is turned in by Thomas Muller. </p>
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<p id="lYlqsc"><strong>18’ — GOAL! </strong>Niklas Sule makes it 1-0 from a corner! What a strike!</p>
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<p id="Antvlf"><strong>Kickoff: </strong>We’re underway in Munich!</p>
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<p id="ChVkAz"><strong>One hour until kickoff:</strong> We have lineups! Looks like Nagelsmann didn’t want to roll with a yolo formation today, and gave Omar Richards a start. Leroy Sane also sits this one out, while Thomas Muller captains Bayern Munich in Neuer’s absence.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Unsere für <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB04?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB04</a>! ⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/EeognqOCSC">pic.twitter.com/EeognqOCSC</a></p>— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern/status/1500097729611059208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="BG3LsW">Without Lucas Hernandez, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> have only three fit center-backs. For Julian Nagelsmann though, that seems to be enough, as most predictions suggest that almost every other position on the pitch will be occupied by either a winger or a striker. </p>
<p id="yMX3RA">Doing that against a bottom-end Bundesliga team would be risky. Doing it against Bayer Leverkusen is almost suicidal. Even with Patrick Schick sidelined this weekend, Leverkusen have one of the most threatening attacks in the Bundesliga. Only Bayern Munich and BVB have scored more goals than the Werkself this season, and with Florian Wirtz and Moussa Diaby, they have some stars who can give the Bavarians some trouble. </p>
<p id="NVD9UF">Of course, if it’s star power you’re after, no one in Germany can compete with Bayern Munich. Thomas Muller is back in action and set to start up top alongside Robert Lewandowski, Leroy Sane, and the rest. Meanwhile Jamal Musiala will get a chance to show what he’s got in midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich, as a proof-of-concept for Bayern’s plan to find a home-grown Thiago replacement. That’s a lot of pressure on the youngster, but you can’t play at this club without pressure. </p>
<p id="7aWXzz">It’s Bayern time. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WJAdmh">
<p id="BUSQOU">While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/2/22958622/podcast-bayern-munich-bayer-leverkusen-bundesliga-frimpong-wirtz-lewandowski-muller-kimmich-musiala">preview podcast</a>? Listen to it below or at <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/bavarian-football-works?selected=VMP9826295645">this link</a>.</p>
<div id="gpww0X"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP9826295645" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
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<h2 id="upWPLt">Match Info</h2>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="Xogf0m"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: Lineups, team news, an update on Alphonso Davies, and more!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/4/22961388/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-lineups-team-news-injuries-thomas-muller-alphonso-davies-neuer"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="B7Fpb3"><strong>Location:</strong> Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany</p>
<p id="LsNbM2"><strong>Time: </strong>3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST</p>
<p id="G7w9Id"><strong>TV/streaming: </strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/651866/9070?sharedid=BavarianFootballWorks"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/germany/bayern-munchen/"><strong>Find Your Country</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="JET4CY"><strong>Tips for commenting:</strong></h2>
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<li id="lBqE3X">If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself! We’re <s>mostly</s> very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.</li>
<li id="BxGKpD">If the comments section starts to slow down for you, just hit the refresh button and keep commenting. It’s not necessary to have the whole comments loaded at one time while you’re just casually following along. </li>
<li id="lvevlL">Keep the sorting to “newest” to easily follow the conversation. It puts the newest comments at the top.</li>
<li id="t8c0ia">Here at BFW we celebrate every goal like they do in the stadium: with a chant. The goal chants are for everyone to participate in! Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.</li>
<li id="4BBhRL">While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.</li>
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<p id="OjEvls">Check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/5/1/22413802/welcome-to-bavarian-football-works-bayern-munich-blog-community">beginners thread</a> if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!</p>
<p id="vsRy4P"><strong>Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Sign up for an SBNation account and </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/signup?community_id=398&return_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bavarianfootballworks.com%2F"><strong>join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works</strong></a><strong>. Whether it’s full match coverage and analysis, breaking news, podcasts or something completely different, we have it all.</strong></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/3/5/22961861/bayern-munich-vs-bayer-leverkusen-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-bundesliga-updates-highlightsIneednoname