FC Bayern: Julian Nagelsmann defends tactics – and counters criticism from Didi Hamann
JULIAN NAGELSMANN BAVARIA MUNICH
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TV expert Hamann had criticized Bayern’s line-up before the game in Hoffenheim. Nagelsmann commented on this after the final whistle.
Julian Nagelsmann defended his tactics after the 1-1 draw against TSG Hoffenheim and couldn’t resist a little dig at Sky expert Didi Hamann, who had criticized the Bayern coach’s style of play before the game.
Hamann had questioned whether “three and a half defensive players” would be enough and predicted that the German record champions would not win with this tactic. Like last time in the Champions League in the 7-1 win over RB Salzburg, Nagelsmann relied on a back three. In midfield, Joshua Kimmich acted as a six. Otherwise he had only set up offensive players.
With a back four, Nagelsmann would have had to rely on four central defenders, willy-nilly. That was “not quite Bayern-Like”, explained Nagelsmann before the game. The regular left-back Alphonso Davies was not in the squad after his heart muscle inflammation. Experiments with Omar Richards and Marcel Sabitzer at left back have not been satisfactory in the past, with centre-back Lucas Hernandez currently the first option for the position pending the Canadian’s return.
FC Bayern – Nagelsmann: “I’ll discuss it with Didi again”
Nevertheless, Hamann was right in the end, Bayern did not get beyond a draw. When asked about this, Nagelsmann said after the game: “I will also discuss it with Didi again because I find it a bit unfair to the players. When you see how hard-working Serge (Gnabry), King (Kingsley Coman) and also Leroy ( sane) are.”
That also prompted the 34-year-old to tease the former national player a little. “Maybe he used to see himself as a very offensive eighth and didn’t feel like defending,” said Nagelsmann, adding: “I’m a coach at Bayern Munich and I always try to consult with my players. And they have also the clear idea that the best staff is currently playing in the way we are playing. And I agree with that.”