3 Reasons why Bayern Munich have been suffering this season

Modified Nov 27, 2018 16:19 GMT

Bayern Munich training and press conference - UEFA Champions League

2. Inability to play with a suitable formation:

Ribery reached the 400-game mark for the German squad

Bayern used a play a 4-3-3 a few years ago with Robben and Ribery as the two wingers and Robert Lewandowski as the striker. Ribery has played in 403 matches for Bayern and scored 117 goals and Robben has scored 141 from 304.

Age has caught up with both of them, but, surprisingly, Bayern still continue to play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in most of the matches. Robben has been having frequent injury problems for quite a while now and Ribery is 35 years old. Therefore, Bayern would have to stop depending too much on them and give chance to younger players.

Youngsters Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka can be played in the starting eleven as wingers or side-midfielders. Gnabry is a very fast and skilful player and could actually become an asset for Bayern in future.

Goretzka is strong defensively and can fall back easily while playing as a side-midfielder. Bayern can think of playing a 4-4-1-1 formation with Ribery and Gnabry as the side-midfielders and Thomas Muller as the support striker behind Robert Lewandowski.

Goretzka can be used as a substitute and Robben can play when fully fit. They have side-midfielders and fullbacks capable of playing frequent crosses to the box and therefore, this formation might suit them. Bayern would actually love to have players like Ivan Perisic or Leroy Sane on the flanks, but signing those players is not going to be easy.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.