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13-04-2024 17:56
13-04-2024 17:56
Three observations from Bayern Munich’s grinding 2-0 win against Köln
Bayern Munich defeated relegation-zone Köln 2-0 at the Allianz Arena. It wasn’t a high-flying affair, but Bayern dominated possession (69%) and controlled the pace of the game. Kingsley Coman, who has already missed 13 games to injury this season, was subbed off in the 50th minute after an awkward non-contact injury.
Who put up the invisible deflector shield?
The first half was peppered with near misses. Harry Kane and Mathys Tel both hit the post and Kane fired another shot barely wide across the face of the goal. Raphaël Guerrero was stonewalled on a beautiful save by Marvin Schwäbe at point blank range. Köln also had a few decent opportunities that lacked the scoring touch.
Guerrero redeemed himself in the 65th minute with a beautiful curler, which allowed Bayern to focus on maintaining possession to close out the victory. It was fun to see Thomas Müller muscle his way for his third Bundesliga goal of the season.
Mathys Tel should play every remaining minute this season
The 18-year old French winger surpassed the 1,000-minute mark and continues to play with a fire that is severely lacking in the squad at the moment. He’ll need to learn how to become more efficient in his dribbling and that comes with playing time.
Given the injuries to Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, this shouldn’t be a big ask of Thomas Tuchel. Tel can use these quality minutes to showcase his talents and propel himself into the starting lineup next season.
Bayern doesn’t need to buy a right back this summer
Joshua Kimmich was fantastic (again) flying up the right flank, finishing the match as the highest-rated player on the pitch while registering 94% passing accuracy. He constantly weaved through the Köln defense, creating opportunities in various situations. He is the only defender on the team who understands when to make the overlapping run and when to stay back.
The emergence of Aleksandar Pavlović has reduced the reliance on Kimmich in the central midfield. Bayern’s coaching hire this summer needs to convince Kimmich to stay on the squad but also stay out wide where he can provide his greatest contribution. It’s not a coincidence that Bayern won the Champions League with Kimmich at right back.
Queue up the highlight of Alphonso Davies (left back) assisting Kimmich (right back) to put the game away against Barcelona. Looking for a more in-depth review of the game? Check out our postgame podcast! Listen to it below or on Spotify. As always, we appreciate all the support!
Related Bayern Munich 2-0 Köln: Initial reactions and Observations
Who put up the invisible deflector shield?
The first half was peppered with near misses. Harry Kane and Mathys Tel both hit the post and Kane fired another shot barely wide across the face of the goal. Raphaël Guerrero was stonewalled on a beautiful save by Marvin Schwäbe at point blank range. Köln also had a few decent opportunities that lacked the scoring touch.
Guerrero redeemed himself in the 65th minute with a beautiful curler, which allowed Bayern to focus on maintaining possession to close out the victory. It was fun to see Thomas Müller muscle his way for his third Bundesliga goal of the season.
Mathys Tel should play every remaining minute this season
The 18-year old French winger surpassed the 1,000-minute mark and continues to play with a fire that is severely lacking in the squad at the moment. He’ll need to learn how to become more efficient in his dribbling and that comes with playing time.
Given the injuries to Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, this shouldn’t be a big ask of Thomas Tuchel. Tel can use these quality minutes to showcase his talents and propel himself into the starting lineup next season.
Bayern doesn’t need to buy a right back this summer
Joshua Kimmich was fantastic (again) flying up the right flank, finishing the match as the highest-rated player on the pitch while registering 94% passing accuracy. He constantly weaved through the Köln defense, creating opportunities in various situations. He is the only defender on the team who understands when to make the overlapping run and when to stay back.
The emergence of Aleksandar Pavlović has reduced the reliance on Kimmich in the central midfield. Bayern’s coaching hire this summer needs to convince Kimmich to stay on the squad but also stay out wide where he can provide his greatest contribution. It’s not a coincidence that Bayern won the Champions League with Kimmich at right back.
Queue up the highlight of Alphonso Davies (left back) assisting Kimmich (right back) to put the game away against Barcelona. Looking for a more in-depth review of the game? Check out our postgame podcast! Listen to it below or on Spotify. As always, we appreciate all the support!
Related Bayern Munich 2-0 Köln: Initial reactions and Observations