#FCBTSG preview: "Our system is characterised by boldness"

Julian Nagelsmann on...

…the opposition:

"When we faced Bayern in the reverse fixture earlier this season, it wasn’t clear in which direction our season would be heading. We had four points from two games in the league and were on a good run of form. Since then, Bayern have gone on an unbelievable run – they hardly ever lose a game. I can’t really explain exactly why we looked so good against Bayern last time out: we scored the goals and had luck on our side at times. Hummels, Müller and Lewandowski had big chances in that game – chances which went begging. I think our approach generally helps us: Our system, characterized by its boldness, will help us against Bayern. We’ve got three successful games against them behind us, and I think we can make it four. We will certainly not be going out to limit the damage; we are going to Munich to win."

...personnel:

"It’s looking good for Saturday: the whole squad trained. Kevin Akpoguma was back on the pitch twice, Kerem Demirbay just once. Nadiem Amiri has also returned earlier than expected. Now we will have to see how our 11 vs. 11 practice match goes – to see whether it makes sense to start bringing players back against Bayern."

...the sporting situation I:

"If you compare our most recent games with those before the winter break or from last season, it’s clear that our performances are not necessarily worse – we’re not defending worse, but we’re lacking efficiency up front. We’re failing to get shots away, because our decision making in the final third isn’t good enough. So, instead of ten shots on goal, we’re only managing two, which obviously means your chance of winning is much worse. A good example is the Leverkusen game – we were better than in the reverse fixture in Leverkusen, where we drew 2-2, but Saturday just gone we lost 4-1. We need to be more clinical up front and generally start creating more danger going forward – not just our attackers, but also our midfielders."

...the sporting situation II:

"I have been with TSG a long time now and I know the club’s plan. Long-term, we will develop young players, integrate them into the teams and should bigger clubs show interest, eventually let them go as well. This will ensure TSG can continue to play in the Bundesliga. As a manager, you have mixed emotions seeing this happen: Of course, I would like to work with these top players for longer, but that’s the business we’re in. The interest from other clubs proves that we’re doing a good job – that our players are being noticed. My coaching team and I want to build a good team, a good group, but develop players at the same time. If we do that successfully, it’s a great feeling. At the same time, however, this means that other teams will be aware of the good performances."

Previous encounters

For a long time, Bayern just could not be beaten by TSG, who failed to win any of the first 17 Bundesliga games against the Munich side. That all changed under Julian Nagelsmann, when on the 4th April 2017 in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Hoffenheim beat the record champions for the first time ever. Andrej Kramaric scored the only goal of that game. In the next game, earlier this season, Mark Uth bagged a brace which saw TSG beat Bayern for the second game running. The last match in Munich ended in a 1-1 draw. Bayern have not lost three consecutive games against a team for over six years... Perhaps it’s time again.

The opposition’s form

Bayern have picked up in 2018 where they left off before Christmas: They keep winning, and winning, and winning. 3-1 in Leverkusen, 4-2 at home to Werder Bremen. Their lead at the top of the table as extended to 16 points – the reigning champions are cruising towards their next league title.

Key battles

Bayern have the best attack in the league, Bayern have the best defence in the league. At home, they’ve picked up 25 from a possible 27 points, scoring 27 goals in the process, conceding just six. Nevertheless, TSG need to be bold when they step out in the Allianz Arena: "We know it will be extremely difficult in Munich, but we also know we have already beaten Bayern once this season," said Kevin Vogt ahead of Saturday’s clash, adding the following: "If we just play defensively, don’t attack, and only focus on not conceding, we will lose - it will only be a matter of time before Bayern do score." Therefore, it will be particularly important for TSG to show their own strengths on the pitch.     

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