Bayern Munich’s attacking football under Vincent Kompany has been a joy to watch, with the team’s free-flowing style leading to a wealth of goals. However, this has come at the expense of defensive stability, as the team has looked susceptible to counter-attacks when faced with deep-lying opponents. While the team’s attacking prowess has been impressive, the balance between attack and defense remains an area for improvement.
Despite conceding goals against opponents who adopted a more defensive strategy, Bayern Munich’s defense put on an impressive performance against Benfica, maintaining a clean sheet and securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory in order to restart their Champions League campaign. The team’s backline, often seen as a weak link in their attacking style, proved their worth and showed their ability to grind out a result when needed.
Although Jamal Musiala‘s goal proved to be the difference in Bayern Munich’s victory against Benfica, the team’s defenders were instrumental in securing the win by keeping the opposition’s attacks at bay and ensuring a clean sheet for the entirety of the match. The unsung heroes of the Bavarian side, the defenders played a pivotal role in grinding out a crucial result for their team.
Speaking to Kicker after Bayern Munich’s triumph over Benfica, Joshua Kimmich showered his team’s defenders with praise, acknowledging their crucial role in the current system. Kimmich noted that the defenders’ responsibilities are even greater in Bayern’s high-pressing, high-line approach, as they must squeeze the pitch and maintain a compact shape to prevent opponents from finding space. The German midfielder’s words underscore the importance of the team’s defenders in ensuring the success of their attacking style.
“I’ve already said at the start of the season that it wasn’t easy at all to defend that high with huge spaces behind them. Both center-backs make very smart decisions in their duels with the opposing players. That helps us a lot. I’ve always seen Min-Jae as a monster in challenges, but he’s also developed a lot with the ball. Phonzy is also always in a good position and offers them a passing option, which helps both center-backs in the build-up.”
Back Four Need Statement Game to Showcase Improvement
Bayern Munich’s defensive display against Benfica was promising, but the team must deliver a more resounding performance soon to silence critics and prove that they can defend at the highest level. Despite their attacking prowess, Die Roten have conceded goals in key Bundesliga and Champions League matches, including a devastating 4-1 loss to Barcelona and a 3-goal concession against Frankfurt in the domestic league.
While Vincent Kompany’s intense, attacking style of play faced initial criticism in early October after a disappointing loss to Barcelona, the team has since bounced back with four consecutive clean sheets. This defensive resurgence has boosted Bayern Munich’s confidence and bodes well for their future prospects in both domestic and European competitions.
The resurgence of Bayern Munich’s defense is also attributed to the improved individual performances of key players such as Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies, and Dayot Upamecano. While Raphaël Guerreiro and Konrad Laimer have provided depth at the right-back position, the eventual return of a natural right-back will further enhance the team’s defensive capabilities. This collective and individual improvement suggests that the Bavarian side is well-positioned for future success in the league and beyond.
Bayern Munich’s defensive capabilities will be put to the ultimate test in three critical post-international break fixtures against European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund, and cup competition contenders Bayer Leverkusen. The ability to maintain clean sheets in all three of these high-profile matches will be a clear indication that the Bavarian side has successfully overcome their defensive struggles in big games and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in all areas of the pitch.
Back Your Star Player! Get the freshest updates and stories about your favorite football player.
Support Your Favorite Player
