Dissecting Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich

[hjperdeath 2,226]

Munich 2012, demands a replay. A match made in heaven as Chelsea look towards having a chance at grabbing their first silver-ware under Jose Mourinho while Bayern Munich seek revenge over their loss last time around. While Chelsea have gone on to re-enstate Jose Mourinho, Bayern have appointed Pep Guardiola, after a largely successful year under Jupp Heynckes.

Since his appointment, Guardiola has revamped the Bayern philosophy, giving it a Spanish touch. The 4-1-4-1 is what the players position themselves to. To clear things up, one must first and fore-most know that it is not the 4-3-3. In a 4-3-3, there is usually a false 9 upfront and two fake or not fake wingers beside him. In Bayern’s 4-1-4-1 though, the two wingers play on the same level as that of the midfielders, which makes it much easier to keep possession in the middle, and slowly build your attacks intelligently.

The philosophy is to keep the ball, have lightning fast counter-attacks, high pressing while at the same time being responsible at the back and avoid creating holes. Let’s have a look at Bayern’s squad and how Guardiola’s philosophy revolves around it.

At the back two solid center-backs, Boateng and Dante who play quite a decent line. Offside trap isn’t necessarily the first thing in their mind, but if a possibility, then they do exploit it. We have Lahm and Alaba as full-backs. Peculiarity of them is that they both can play as defensive midfielders. A very rare attribute for a full-back, unless you count our own Essien and Bosingwa *cough* . They both push forward, and have the ability to link up with the wingers.

The two wingers on the other hand, Robben and Ribery have an extremely high work-rate. They push forward, cut inside at times, but are also willing to track-back and defend. In the middle, we have a defensive midfielder. Schweinsteiger looks set to shake of the mild ankle sprain, and Javi Martinez is reportedly back. This is by far the most vital part of this philosophy. The man in front of the center-backs and behind the 4 midfielders is one of the two connectors, which we shall see later. Moving on , the two midfielders in front of the holding or defensive midfielder are two players who can play flexible and versatile roles. Up front, the striker, Pizarro or Mandzukic.

Looking in-depth into their roles, let’s move onto another diagram.

Let’s first look at the rectangle behind the defensive midfielder. This is the area where the player is most likely to drop into, to connect the center-backs or goalkeeper to the midfield in front of him. He forms the first ‘connection’. Schweinsteiger is one of the best in the world today, to play such a role. He’ll cover when the full-backs are pushing forward, so that counter-attacks can be prevented. Apart from that, he need’s to make sure he is always open. Though Chelsea have just started using triangles, Guardiola has been using them from the start. The defensive midfielder need’s to make sure that he is always open for the full-backs and plays forward passes rather than taking the ball back or side-ways

Here we can give a good pat on the back for our double pivot. A double pivot can have it’s hands on both attack and defense. They don’t have to be too concerned about roaming out of position, because they can assure themselves of the fact that they are being covered well. However in a single pivot, it’s tough. Your role is restricted, and you always have to put others before yourself and have really smart movement.

Then we have the second connector, that is the one that connects central midfield to the front-line. There have been variety of combinations in the four games Bayern have played. They are Shaqiri-Kroos, Gotze-Thiago, Mueller-Kroos and Gotze-Kroos. Seeing that Thiago is injured, Kroos is 110% going to start. The reason shall be explained later on. The other midfielder can be either Shaqiri, Mueller or Gotze. Whoever is to start will be entrusted with the responsibility to jump into the final third, or join alongside the striker. He will have to play as an attacking midfielder, a second striker or as a partnering striker.

Moving on to the flanks. This is another important feature of Bayern’s new philosophy. The wingers unlike in Jupp’s era where they were positioned high on the pitch, are playing much deeper and almost on the same level as that of two central midfielders. Bertrand was last time used to nullify the threat of Lahm and Robben. There’s a high chance he could be used again, IF we didn’t have Schurrle. There I made my first prediction. I might have just sparked 10 debates, but it is the truth. Like Schurrle disrupted Evra and Welbeck , he’ll have to disrupt Lahm, and Robben. The reason the wingers are so deep is so that they are much closer to the central midfielders and to the full-backs. They need to be close to the CM’s so that they can combine with them and slowly build-up each attack into the final third. It’s much more intelligent and slower than just rushing in, with intelligent movement and creating havoc.

They also need to be close to the full-backs because this philosophy relies on unity. You attack as a unit, you defend as a unit. When the opposition has the ball, you press high and track back to defend for your partner.

Now having a look at transitions -

When they need to move from defense to attack , the full-backs push up really high. This is where unit play comes in. They push up to make sure that the total distance between them and the wingers remain the exact same. Now we can also explain why Kroos will be chosen. Kroos (the one encircled in red) despite being a pure attacking midfielder, does have the tendency to drop back and hold the midfield along with Schweinsteiger in a double pivot. This however doesn’t mean that he’ll completely reject the role of pushing forward. This is why intelligent players are required, and Guardiola’s extremely lucky.

The second central midfielder (encircled in blue) always pushes forward to take up the #10 area. Once again, not exactly be the #10, but stay around that area. Gotze and Shaqiri are more likely to either stay here, or drift towards the flanks. Mueller however, pushes up and plays either as a second striker or as the lone forward himself due to Mandzukic’s excellent ability of dragging defenders to the flanks.

The transition from attack to defense however, shows much more unity. The wingers are back to defend, the central midfielder joins the holding or defensive midfielder and the full-backs close up with the center-backs. However the second central midfielder (encircled in red) remains upfront. For simple reasons that, he facilitates or is the medium which the rest of the players use to initiate counter-attacks. With very fast wingers such as Robben and Ribery, it isn’t really hard for them.

The best part about this, is that its ideal for a strategy that involves high pressing. While pressing high there is the negative side of leaving holes to be exploited, but with having what looks like two defensive banks of four, you always have someone covering for you.

Flexibility is another key attribute of the 4-1-4-1. Here are the diagrams -

4-2-4

4-1-2-3 or the holding 4-3-3

Click here to view the article

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Great work as usual. Perfect explanation of the philosophy. But I think you might have accidentally given them more credit than they deserve. While this is the idea that Pep wants to implement, the execution has been far from perfect. From the two matches I've seen Bayern play this season, they've often looked uncertain in possession and have struggled to create much. But I do expect that they'll play ten times better against us than they did in their recent 1-1 draw.

And I do agree that Schurrle will start because of his defensive work-rate...that is unless Willian starts instead of him

[hjperdeath 2,226]

Great work as usual. Perfect explanation of the philosophy. But I think you might have accidentally given them more credit than they deserve. While this is the idea that Pep wants to implement, the execution has been far from perfect. From the two matches I've seen Bayern play this season, they've often looked uncertain in possession and have struggled to create much. But I do expect that they'll play ten times better against us than they did in their recent 1-1 draw.

And I do agree that Schurrle will start because of his defensive work-rate...that is unless Willian starts instead of him

Ah yeah . I just spoke about what they try to do , not about how they are failing to do so .

One of these days , you'll find me outside your place .

[hjperdeath 2,226]

*bumping until the game*

[John1611 77]

Wonder what Jose will do to counteract the way they play. I think if we're going to go out and attack them playing a high tempo, we're likely to get ripped to shreds.

I think we'll basically see a copy of the United game again, except this time it's Bayern. It'll probably be the same line up, we'll be an organised defensive unit, while at the same time trying to nick one on the counterattack.

Likely to go to extra time this one, and/or even penalties again.

Another great analysis.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

Wonder what Jose will do to counteract the way they play. I think if we're going to go out and attack them playing a high tempo, we're likely to get ripped to shreds.

I think we'll basically see a copy of the United game again, except this time it's Bayern. It'll probably be the same line up, we'll be an organised defensive unit, while at the same time trying to nick one on the counterattack.

Likely to go to extra time this one, and/or even penalties again.

Another great analysis.

Exactly my point.

Thanks again buddy.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I think the plan will be very straight-forward from Jose. Give them the ball around the midway line, don't allow them any space or time in the final third, keep a deep back-line and break fast and with numbers on the counter.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

I think the plan will be very straight-forward from Jose. Give them the ball around the midway line, don't allow them any space or time in the final third, keep a deep back-line and break fast and with numbers on the counter.

We need to make our counters count . If we fail to do that , then we'll have problems .

[John1611 77]

Let’s first look at the rectangle behind the defensive midfielder. This is the area where the player is most likely to drop into, to connect the center-backs or goalkeeper to the midfield in front of him. He forms the first ‘connection’. Schweinsteiger is one of the best in the world today, to play such a role. He’ll cover when the full-backs are pushing forward, so that counter-attacks can be prevented. Apart from that, he need’s to make sure he is always open. Though Chelsea have just started using triangles, Guardiola has been using them from the start. The defensive midfielder need’s to make sure that he is always open for the full-backs and plays forward passes rather than taking the ball back or side-ways

Here we can give a good pat on the back for our double pivot. A double pivot can have it’s hands on both attack and defense. They don’t have to be too concerned about roaming out of position, because they can assure themselves of the fact that they are being covered well. However in a single pivot, it’s tough. Your role is restricted, and you always have to put others before yourself and have really smart movement.

I hope our plan is not to start Lamps alongside Ramires again. That would be a nightmare. I feel it would give Bayern a free hand to do whatever they want in midfield.

I'd like to see Essien/Mikel sitting deep and partner Ramires , which would allow him to roam forward and hit Bayern on the counter, like he did against Barcelona a year ago.

Our counterattacks have much more spice with his acceleration, pace and dribbling. He just knows when to stick his leg out and move the ball away just before a challenge comes in. We want as many set pieces as we can, and with Ramires on the counter we're likely to get some.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

We need to make our counters count . If we fail to do that , then we'll have problems .

We'll certainly need to commit more men forward than we did against united to make that happen.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

We'll certainly need to commit more men forward than we did against united to make that happen.

Makes me miss Kalou.

[Stingray 9,441]

We need to make our counters count . If we fail to do that , then we'll have problems .

We'll certainly need to commit more men forward than we did against united to make that happen.

Exactly!

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Makes me miss Kalou.

Shhh. You can get crucified for saying stuff like that around here!

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

Makes me miss Kalou.

This post makes me want to die.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

This post makes me want to die.

Haha , I love you too man.

[NishC300 1,865]

Munich 2012, demands a replay. A match made in heaven as Chelsea look towards having a chance at grabbing their first silver-ware under Jose Mourinho while Bayern Munich seek revenge over their loss last time around. While Chelsea have gone on to re-enstate Jose Mourinho, Bayern have appointed Pep Guardiola, after a largely successful year under Jupp Heynckes.

Since his appointment, Guardiola has revamped the Bayern philosophy, giving it a Spanish touch. The 4-1-4-1 is what the players position themselves to. To clear things up, one must first and fore-most know that it is not the 4-3-3. In a 4-3-3, there is usually a false 9 upfront and two fake or not fake wingers beside him. In Bayern’s 4-1-4-1 though, the two wingers play on the same level as that of the midfielders, which makes it much easier to keep possession in the middle, and slowly build your attacks intelligently.

The philosophy is to keep the ball, have lightning fast counter-attacks, high pressing while at the same time being responsible at the back and avoid creating holes. Let’s have a look at Bayern’s squad and how Guardiola’s philosophy revolves around it.

At the back two solid center-backs, Boateng and Dante who play quite a decent line. Offside trap isn’t necessarily the first thing in their mind, but if a possibility, then they do exploit it. We have Lahm and Alaba as full-backs. Peculiarity of them is that they both can play as defensive midfielders. A very rare attribute for a full-back, unless you count our own Essien and Bosingwa *cough* . They both push forward, and have the ability to link up with the wingers.

The two wingers on the other hand, Robben and Ribery have an extremely high work-rate. They push forward, cut inside at times, but are also willing to track-back and defend. In the middle, we have a defensive midfielder. Schweinsteiger looks set to shake of the mild ankle sprain, and Javi Martinez is reportedly back. This is by far the most vital part of this philosophy. The man in front of the center-backs and behind the 4 midfielders is one of the two connectors, which we shall see later. Moving on , the two midfielders in front of the holding or defensive midfielder are two players who can play flexible and versatile roles. Up front, the striker, Pizarro or Mandzukic.

Looking in-depth into their roles, let’s move onto another diagram.

Let’s first look at the rectangle behind the defensive midfielder. This is the area where the player is most likely to drop into, to connect the center-backs or goalkeeper to the midfield in front of him. He forms the first ‘connection’. Schweinsteiger is one of the best in the world today, to play such a role. He’ll cover when the full-backs are pushing forward, so that counter-attacks can be prevented. Apart from that, he need’s to make sure he is always open. Though Chelsea have just started using triangles, Guardiola has been using them from the start. The defensive midfielder need’s to make sure that he is always open for the full-backs and plays forward passes rather than taking the ball back or side-ways

Here we can give a good pat on the back for our double pivot. A double pivot can have it’s hands on both attack and defense. They don’t have to be too concerned about roaming out of position, because they can assure themselves of the fact that they are being covered well. However in a single pivot, it’s tough. Your role is restricted, and you always have to put others before yourself and have really smart movement.

Then we have the second connector, that is the one that connects central midfield to the front-line. There have been variety of combinations in the four games Bayern have played. They are Shaqiri-Kroos, Gotze-Thiago, Mueller-Kroos and Gotze-Kroos. Seeing that Thiago is injured, Kroos is 110% going to start. The reason shall be explained later on. The other midfielder can be either Shaqiri, Mueller or Gotze. Whoever is to start will be entrusted with the responsibility to jump into the final third, or join alongside the striker. He will have to play as an attacking midfielder, a second striker or as a partnering striker.

Moving on to the flanks. This is another important feature of Bayern’s new philosophy. The wingers unlike in Jupp’s era where they were positioned high on the pitch, are playing much deeper and almost on the same level as that of two central midfielders. Bertrand was last time used to nullify the threat of Lahm and Robben. There’s a high chance he could be used again, IF we didn’t have Schurrle. There I made my first prediction. I might have just sparked 10 debates, but it is the truth. Like Schurrle disrupted Evra and Welbeck , he’ll have to disrupt Lahm, and Robben. The reason the wingers are so deep is so that they are much closer to the central midfielders and to the full-backs. They need to be close to the CM’s so that they can combine with them and slowly build-up each attack into the final third. It’s much more intelligent and slower than just rushing in, with intelligent movement and creating havoc.

They also need to be close to the full-backs because this philosophy relies on unity. You attack as a unit, you defend as a unit. When the opposition has the ball, you press high and track back to defend for your partner.

Now having a look at transitions -

When they need to move from defense to attack , the full-backs push up really high. This is where unit play comes in. They push up to make sure that the total distance between them and the wingers remain the exact same. Now we can also explain why Kroos will be chosen. Kroos (the one encircled in red) despite being a pure attacking midfielder, does have the tendency to drop back and hold the midfield along with Schweinsteiger in a double pivot. This however doesn’t mean that he’ll completely reject the role of pushing forward. This is why intelligent players are required, and Guardiola’s extremely lucky.

The second central midfielder (encircled in blue) always pushes forward to take up the #10 area. Once again, not exactly be the #10, but stay around that area. Gotze and Shaqiri are more likely to either stay here, or drift towards the flanks. Mueller however, pushes up and plays either as a second striker or as the lone forward himself due to Mandzukic’s excellent ability of dragging defenders to the flanks.

The transition from attack to defense however, shows much more unity. The wingers are back to defend, the central midfielder joins the holding or defensive midfielder and the full-backs close up with the center-backs. However the second central midfielder (encircled in red) remains upfront. For simple reasons that, he facilitates or is the medium which the rest of the players use to initiate counter-attacks. With very fast wingers such as Robben and Ribery, it isn’t really hard for them.

The best part about this, is that its ideal for a strategy that involves high pressing. While pressing high there is the negative side of leaving holes to be exploited, but with having what looks like two defensive banks of four, you always have someone covering for you.

Flexibility is another key attribute of the 4-1-4-1. Here are the diagrams -

4-2-4

4-1-2-3 or the holding 4-3-3

Click Here To View Article.

Smashing article as usual.

So if Oscar tightly marks Schweinsteiger, do you think we could disrupt their transitions?

[hjperdeath 2,226]

Smashing article as usual.

So if Oscar tightly marks Schweinsteiger, do you think we could disrupt their transitions?

I avoided writing that cause people would want Mata to start as the no.10. I didn't want any debates . But he has to start IMO , cause like he stopped Pirlo and Carrick from distributing the play, he'll have to stop Schweini cause their attacks are slowly built from the back. Cut him off , and we can slowly choke Bayern's supply line .

[NishC300 1,865]

I avoided writing that cause people would want Mata to start as the no.10. I didn't want any debates . But he has to start IMO , cause like he stopped Pirlo and Carrick from distributing the play, he'll have to stop Schweini cause their attacks are slowly built from the back. Cut him off , and we can slowly choke Bayern's supply line .

No offence mate, but are you writing articles to show your opinion or to impress others? Write whatever you want, don't fear people disagreeing with you or sparking debates. Mata can play out wide.

Is it true that Bayern have struggled so far this season?