BAYERN Münich are raising the bar – but what can Liverpool FC learn?
Before the semi-final draw in the Champions League I was hoping for a matchup between FC Barcelona and Bayern Münich. Barca have been the best team in Europe the last five years or so, and I was eager to see just how good this season’s Bayern team really was.
In the aftermath of these two games I’m asking myself two questions:
Was this the indication of a power shift in football? What can Liverpool FC learn from this?
The Spanish way of playing and developing players has been seen as the way forward the last few years, and they have the trophies to prove they have done something right the last decade or so. Technical players with great tactical awareness is what we have come to expect – both individually and within a structure.
Germany have followed one step behind them; and even though they have tended to come up short when facing Spanish opposition we have seen the signs of a generation of German players coming closer to matching them individually, as well as playing a more adventurous type of football.
The way Bayern and Borussia Dortmund play has similarities to the Spanish way, but also vast differences. The common denominator is the way they press to win the ball back, whether it is high up the pitch or in their own half. However, that is where the similarities end.
Where Barca and the Spanish national team wear their opponents down with their tiki-taka, the German teams have a more varied approach. Looking at Bayern in particular they are also very much a possession-oriented team, but they have a more pragmatic approach than the Spanish style – meaning they are able to adapt when facing the likes of Barca.
The German teams are much more eager in transition and take advantage of every opportunity to counter attack; the German national team have played this way since the World Cup 2006, Dortmund have followed their example and now Bayern seem to have created the perfect blend between keeping possession and striking on the counter. What we saw this week was a team of quality players playing with great discipline and confidence – seemingly knowing exactly what to do in every situation.
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Was it a sign of a shift in power? I would be hesitant to make that conclusion based on two games of football; the Barcelona style does not become useless and outdated over night, but there is no doubt they will have to make a couple of additions to their squad and add one or two tactical elements to their game if they want to regain the throne.
So, what can LFC learn from this? What do Bayern have that we don’t have, apart from individually superior players in key positions?
Much has been made of Brendan Rodgers and his supposed tiki-taka style. Personally I think it has been blown out of proportion, and looking at the way Liverpool have played this season I would say we are more similar to a German team than a Spanish team.
Playing quick and direct when the opportunity is there while also being able to keep the ball when we want to or need to; this is part of the tactical smartness Rodgers is trying to instil into the Liverpool team and it is something Bayern excel at, because they have players who master both styles and can adapt to the circumstances.
Looking at the framework of the two teams we have a similar 4-2-3-1 setup with attacking full-backs, inverted wingers and a midfield duo. As I see it, the main differences lie in the athleticism in midfield and the composition of the front four. Where they have a technical and mobile target striker supported by two of the best wingers in the game – plus Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson wrapped in a Thomas Müller shaped package – we have a completely different type of dynamics, largely because of Luis Suarez.
Their real strength is the engine room though. Martinez and Schweinsteiger is a perfect blend of physique and ability, and I cannot think of a better duo than those two at the moment. They both cover a lot of ground defensively and always make the right decisions with the ball. This is one area where I think Liverpool need something new in order to evolve into a better team; I think something is missing in there which makes us look a bit unbalanced, and I hope Rodgers has got someone lined up who can fit in together with Lucas and Gerrard to add a bit of steel, athleticism and composure on the ball.
I’m not saying we should go all out and copy Bayern. That would be a foolish knee-jerk reaction. However, it would be equally foolish to look at this red machine without searching for elements to integrate – especially since we are at a stage where we are building something new – and for me there are two main areas: the transition from defence to attack, and the coordination and the intensity of their pressing game.
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Munich football == rafa football
Rafa played a high pressing game with direct attacking football, the direct attacking football is dependent on the quality of your players, which is why we only saw this briefly. Rafa was keen on organisation and tactical discipline which is why we were so successful against both real and barca. I hope we successfully transition to the rodgers/spanish model of posession football though this i the liverpool way.
I agree the only way it diifers is that Munich are more clinical in frront of goal.
Absolutely
Imo the barca team is the best team ever in the modern scientific game. The problem that barca need 2 solve is their centrehalve and keeper and they are looking forward to solving it already. If sorted out the would be absolute great. But bayern has its back4 and midfield ok so it has left with guardiola to instil the tikitaka approach.
A team which demolished Barcelona’s ‘Tiki Taka’ 7 to zip over the two legs still needs the tiki taka ‘instilled’ in them? Nonsense.
Pep is no fool, he is not going to change what Bayern have done so successfully over the past two seasons, lets not forget if it had not been for the single handed heroics of a certain Drogba they would be the rightful defending champions.
Copying Munich is a lot better idea than copying Swansea , which is what we are doing
Seriously it dont matter what style – we need a decent manager to implement his style – not the rubbish Rodgers trots out
You do know we are in May 2013 and not September 2012?
The team has been improving and Rodgers deserves credit we have played some real inventive football at times something I haven’t seen for years! The 8 goals scored in the last 2 games were all clever goals! Under Houllier and Rafa the team was shackled by defensive tactics or counter attacking football. 2 great signings in Sturridge and Coutinho and the fact we have scored 67 goals this season only behind Man U, Chelsea and 10 behind the 08/09 season on the defensive side I didn’t think Rodgers was expecting for Skrtel to go backwards this season.
Ha ha ha . Another fool who thinks we are improving.
Get back to playing with your crayons
lol the team is scoring goals again the most for years I would say yes that is a step in the right direction also aren’t we second in the clean sheets department only behind Man City! Rodgers is building but some fans just seem to hate Rodgers and it doesn’t matter what he does it won’t be right bit like certain Chelsea fans with Rafa? Are you really a Chelsea fan?LOL
Only Chelsea fans or Mancs want us to keep Rodgers.
Ask anyone who hates Liverpool – should Rodgers stay and they will all say yes
You are obviously a blue or a Manc
@j75j. Your obviously not from Merseyside. If you were you would know that every Evertonian in the city desperately wants BR to stay
EVERY SINGLE ONE
Why ? Because he is a rubbish manager. Everton fans cant stop laughing at our idiotic fans for defending him
Have a look at the liverpool echo forums etc to see what the people of Merseyside say about BR
Why would ANY Liverpool fan back a manager who is clearly not good enough
Rodgers has made us a joke. And it’s not funny anymore
You lot need reminding it isn’t the 60s,70s or 80s! Who gets up set by what Everton fans have to say! Who listens to Evertonians? You just laugh at them back! Bet Chelsea fans weren’t thinking that second half!
The reason why skrtel and ALL the defence have gone backwards is because of Rodgers silly system
Rodgers doesn’t have a clue how to organize a defence . He is a championship manager at best
I have never actually met anyone who thinks we had improved from last season. I don’t think u have actually been watching the games
This season has been a disappointing step backwards
Step backwards??? Really 67 goals scored only 1 behind Chelsea who have the so called 3 Amigos, Torres and Ba? Rodgers said it would take time he knows there has been diappointing results but if you can’t see good things happening I reckon you just must still be bitter over the sacking of KK or wanted Rafa back.
You must be delusional if you think we are improving. It is the worst season in 55 years and Rodgers is our worst manager since before Taylor
Kop.on kid . You need to grow up
Can’t speak for the others but
I couldn’t give a monkeys about Rafa
I couldn’t give a monkeys about Kenny
I couldn’t give a monkeys about BR
I CARE ABOUT LFC
Individuals come and go .I want what is best for LFC
And that certainly isn’t a useless out of his depth fool like BR
you know nothing
rogers will play it in the liverpool way come nxt season we wil see best side of l’pool since 2009.gud article Yes dat true we need someone who is strong physical in that midfield engine so far we are an unballanced team but that waz alwayz going to happen with new style of play this season and i personal pay tribute to brendan rodgers for the improvement on the pitch, the sheep is moving slowly but surely we will have success in future(liverbird on my chest YNWA!!!
Improvement ? Open your eyes
This is the worst season in over 50 years. Dream on
We play the liverpool way, pass and move, easy
We need an improved holding mid, along with a CB or two that are good on the ball. Not saying to replace Agger, he’s world class. we need guys in the back who can improve our transition game, and be reliable in distribution forward.
Lastly, it takes time, but our flanks and CF’s don’t move off the ball enough to create windows, which is essential. Movement away from the ball is the key to the whole thing, because it pulls defenders out of their natural positions, allowing for the incising passes you see Xavi and Iniesta have such success at.
Phillipe Coutinho has great movement and passing, and is very creative. Suarez has great movement and finishing. We need a few more of those skilled and creative players to make the front work properly.
More samba kids? Some Spanish/Portuguese flavour?
This window upcoming is very critical. Glad we’ve bolstered our scouting staff. They can find young quality that can perform, while saving the club millions.
YNWA
Lets be honest here. Rodgers has us playing pretty football since xmas but there is no steel or defence in place
It’s easy to play pretty passing football. Even some 2nd or 3rd div teams do it – it’s hard to win matches
Rodgers doesnt have a clue how to win matches . He is tactically inept
Anyone who things we are improving needs a wake up call
If we dont sack Rodgers it will be more mid table rubbish next season
Yes I agree
rogers is no good , liverpools need good manager to bring good football , no tikitaka nosense
Anyone can see that Rogers has taken us backwards this season.
He must be removed and then we have hope for future
Looking at Munich now is just dreaming .
Benitez wanted to buy Coutinho but Inter ended got him, Dalglish wanted Sturridge as part of Torres deal, so these aren’t Rodgers signings, his signings are Allen and Borini, neither are good enough for Liverpool, the purchse of Sturridge and Coutinho plus the new ‘singings committee’ shows that FSG seem to have lost faith in Rodgers ability in the transfer market, they’ve gone back to the ‘little black book’ and now they’ll compile a list and ask Rodgers who he’d prefer from it, if they can afford them, theres no progress there and no progress for a studium redevelopment, neither FSG or Rodgers will take Liverpool forward.
Unfortunately everything u said is true . Depressing times:-(
Barca and Munich are the standard everyone must try to reach . Unfortunatly Liverpool are so far away from being a top side – it wont happen under the current regime
We need owners who will invest , and a proven manager who can attract top players . Rodgers doesn’t have a clue about managing a big club and his system doesn’t work against good teams .
Until the day when FSG and their puppet rodgers are gone – being a top club like Munich is just a dream
IMO it’s the players thst make a team great . Barca have the best of the best and they would win in any system. ANY .
But now some players are a little over the hill perhaps and also Messi was not fit
Bayern are also full of great players but they are reaching their peak
Liverpool have only 2 or 3 top players so we can not play the barca way. We are totally wasting our time with Rodgers and this system cos it will never work
Arsene Wenger can’t win anything and he is a great manager. What hope do we have with Brendan who is clearly NOT a top manager ?
Barca have lost and lost convincingly to Bayern, so do not add excuses. Was Merci fit when he personally changed the game against PSG. Please always recognize facts!
out
reina 12
skrtel 15
enrique 8
allen 8
borini 8
downing 12
henderson -begovic
carroll 16
assaidi 4
shelvey 6
in
begovic-henderson
ilori 8
papadoupulos 12
strootman 18
eriksen 20
mertens 25
hooper 8
wanyama 15
————–begovic—————–
jonson–ilori–agger–papadoupulos
————-strootman—————
—-gerrard—————eriksen—-
coutinho——-suarez——-mertens
Yes because flogging a pile of players will work. The prices you quote are plainly stupid?15 million for Skrtel are you serious? The best we could get is 8i million right now. 4illion we bought for 3 million but has hardly played since? 12 million for Downing, really who would buy him at that price? We need 2 new centre halls, at least 1 wide player and we need a dominant midfielder and a new striker is a must. There may be a new keeper but who is available that is better than Pepe?
CARRAGHERS DECISION TO RETIRE IS GREAT FOR LFC.ANY GOOD MANAGER BUILDS WITH STRENGTH FROM THE BACK FOUR.IS IT A COINCIDENCE THAT NO PREM TITLE WHILE CARRA HAS BEEN A SENIOR. ROGERS SHOULD STOP PATRONISING THE PLAYERS AND WIN LOSE OR DRAW SHOULD KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT TO THE PRESS AND COMPARING HIMSELF TO SHANKS HE IS KIDDING HIMSELF.THE SCOUTS HAVE TO WORK HARDER AND PROCURE COUTNO TYPE OF QUALITY AND PRICE.I DO NOT EXPECT ROGERS TO BE THERE AS HE IS A JUNIOR COACH. COMPARE ROGERS WITH FERGUSON WENGER NO POSITIVES FOR ROGERS.ROGERS SHOULD CANVAS OPINIONS FROM HANSEN LAWRENSON NICHOL EVANS DALGLEISH AND RUSH IN A ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION .WITH RUSH AS THE CHAIR
Amazing LFC won’t win the title in Steven Gerratd’s time either so why not get rid of him? Anybody slating Carra forgets if we’d had a squad of players who were in his class we’d have won numerous titles. To be fair you got one thing right mr Francis, BR should stop pretending he’s a football.guru. As for the rest of your rant I’d urge you to think first
spot on.
Strotman would be a perfect signing to power up the midfield
No need for Eriksen, Cout is good
We need a commanding CB and a wing
Barca has been exposed as being a team who cannot do the business without Messi. Playing backwards, sideways, to retain possession, But they dont even play a centre forward, to score goals,
They depend on the magic of Messi, and Magic he is.
Just look at their goalscorers and it will tell you all you need to know. Take Messi’s goals away and what are they left with.? If you dont believe me, check the stats, they dont lie.
Sell Carrol, Allen, Spearing, Coates, Wilson
Buy Strootman, Eriksen, Ogbonna, Tom Ince and “Loic Remy or Benteka”, Those players will help us win the league and be in the Top for Years…
Benteke would be a great buy he is young n talented pefect 2 power up the strike force,he would cost a lot bt he is worth havin he will giv lfc a new option. along with Xabi alonso which will allow gerrard To play an attacking roll.add 2 quality center backs n lfc should b able 2 break into top 4
Just let us have a real quality manager and we would be top 4. Never getting there wit Rodgers
Rodgers won’t attract decent players . He is not a top level coach
It’s vital we try to get a manager who has the respect worldwide
There are many stoppers even younger ones out there who are better than Reina. Sell him to any club and bring in another world class striker regardless of his price and see where lfc would be come 2013/2014
Kop on kid