Nagelsmann experiments with back-three in Bayern Munich training – originally posted on Sportslens.com
New Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann gave another show of the tactical flexibility he exhibited so many times at his previous clubs Leipzig and Hoffenheim, where he often switched between a back-three and back-four.
Despite stating his commitment to a back-four earlier this week, testing the centerback pairing of Nianzou and marquee summer signing Upamecano, he opted for a different formation in the Thursday training session, where he used the trio of Stanišić, Upamecano, and Nianzou in a back-three, with Bouna Sarr and Omar Richards as wingbacks.
Much of the Bayern squad is not present in training yet, so the return of key defensive figures such as Niklas Süle, Benjamin Pavard, Alphonso Davies, and Lucas Hernandez are likely to change the composition of the defensive lineup quite a bit.
Nagelsmann will look to transform the Bayern Munich defense and implement the same level of defensive rigour he did at Leipzig, who have conceded the least goals in the Bundesliga in two of the past three seasons.
With the departure of veterans and club legends David Alaba and Jerome Boateng, Nagelsmann will aim to fix the gap left in the squad. Though new arrivals are not out of the question, Nagelsmann will also look to the returning Chris Richards, who enjoyed a successful loan at Hoffenheim, but is also tasked with promoting promising talent from the youth team. The ex-Leipzig coach has already teased the idea of trying out youth prospect Christopher Scott as a right wing-back.
Nagelsmann, who joined Bayern Munich this summer for a record fee of around 25 million Euros – the highest ever for a manager- will look to justify his price tag, hoping to lead the Bavarian club to a 10th consecutive Bundesliga title, but also not shying away from aiming for Champions League glory. Nagelsmann previously reached the semi-final of the competition with RB Leipzig in the 19/20 season, defeating Tottenham Hotspurs and Atletico Madrid before eventually falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Thankfully for the young manager, the Bayern roster is loaded with players who can shift between positions, and we can expect to see many changes in the Bayern squad throughout the pre-season’s set of friendlies as Nagelsmann will look to implement his playstyle and philosophy at the new club.
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Author:antonilugowski