Pep Guardiola's new 4-1-4-1 at Bayern Munich

Frank Ribery’s pace and guile on the left makes him an obvious inclusion. In fact from recent games, Ribery seems to have been told to drift more central and thus find a more direct route to goal. Robben is the other alternative on the flank with Muller, but the Dutchman’s lower stamina and work ethic means that he might not be a regular despite all the skills he brings onboard.

One key feature of Pep’s frontlines have been that there has always been a striker in the front three, even though he might be played wider. Bayern’s top man in the forward’s department is Mario Mandzukic, who had a brilliant first season at the club. Unlike Ibra, Mandzukic is all about energy and putting in a mercurial effort in latching on to the long balls.

In games like the Barca one last season, this tactic in particular allowed the likes of Robben to get a clear cut run at goal. So playing Mandzukic in the centre does allow Pep to shift Goetze to the right. And though this might not be ‘this Mario’s’ best position, even Messi started as a winger in Barca.

Bayern’s defence needs not much of a look in due to the amazing stats that it stacked up last season. In Philip Lahm, Pep has as much of an attacking option as Alves had provided, and indeed an even better defensive one. Lahm has been seen providing ideal support for Muller and crosses for Mandzukic, and unlike Alves, Lahm also often ventures centrally in order to get a better angle to cross. This is mainly due to Muller’s tactic of sticking to the touchline and thus pulling away the opposition fullback on such occasions.

The tale on the other flank is pretty much the same, but on younger and quicker feet. Alaba has already become a solid part of the Bayern system and the young fullback who again is conveniently a ‘midfielder’ is as much adventurous as Lahm.

Manuel Neuer’s presence between the posts means that the only position that was a liability for Pep at Barca has now been filled by the very best in the business.

Guardiola’s days in this transfer window are not going to be devoid of rumours, and recent ones suggest a controversial move for Mesut Ozil on the cards. Ozil’s arrival would surely mean that Pep indeed means to collect the very best in midfield at the Allianz Arena.

In spite of Pep’s image in the footballing world, a mishap at Bayern may not be tolerated by fans at the club. Though instilling tici-taca might not be that much of an issue, there will definitely be immense pressure from the world’s oldest club when success and fanfare are concerned.