From Fluidity To Flexibility: The Tactics Behind Bayern Munich’s Managerial Transition – Tactical Analysis

Fabrizio Romano once again turned the football world upside down.

On Thursday 23^rd of March, the Italian journalist announced that Bayern Munich was replacing Julian Nagelsman with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

While Bayern is undefeated and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Die Roten have failed to continue their 10-year-running league dominance domestically.

With a win-less three-game run in January and occasional losses, Nagelsmann struggled to run away with the Bundesliga trophy.

Many consider sacking the 35-year-old manager harsh and, if anything, a terrible decision.

The financial aspect, from his appointment to his sacking, is far too significant to dismiss.

Nagelsmann is one of the most promising managers in the world, and while he may still have his shortcomings, allowing him to see out his potential at a Champions League rival is another factor to consider.

Most importantly, the long term seemed extremely promising with Nagelsmann, but now with Tuchel, it is less certain.

While the 49-year-old undoubtedly brings success, he has struggled to build sustainable long-term projects in his career, staying no longer than two years at Borussia Dortmund, PSG, and Chelsea, respectively.

Regardless, the decision has been made, and this season is the biggest concern.

Thomas Tuchel comes in with the responsibility of immediately putting his hands on the UCL trophy, as he did with Chelsea, as well as retaining the Bundesliga title for the 11th consecutive time.

However, it’s nearly April.

Time is not Tuchel’s ally, and the German manager will have to hit the ground running.

So, how will this transition look?

Tactically, Nagelsmann and Tuchel have apparent differences – and some essential similarities.

This season has seen Julian transition from a more rigid structure with a possession-based mentality to a more fluid structure, reliant on the individual talent at his disposal.

Thomas Tuchels coaching style provides a different approach, with a heavier focus on flexible yet rigid structures.

Despite these structural differences, the initial organisations and formations are somewhat similar, and this will undoubtedly make for a smoother transition.

On the other hand, the defensive side of the game will potentially see a vital improvement.

Die Roten have conceded far too many goals on a few occasions, and while their superiority in the league can often mask this side of the game, it could be lethal in the latter stages of the UCL.

Tuchel led the Blues to European glory by humbly defending deep and secure for long periods of time, in addition to an unforgettable defensive start to the 2021/22 Premier League.

This tactical analysis will take a deep dive into the tactics behind the transition from Nagelsmann to Tuchel.

After briefly identifying how Bayern have looked under Nagelsmann, this analysis will explore what Tuchel brings to Munich and how Die Roten could look under the former UEFA Champions League winner.

From fluid&

This season has seen a significant change in the tactics at the Allianz Arena.

Nagelsmann famously favoured possession and rigid structures, and the statistics confirm this.

In last season’s UCL, Bayern averaged 63.67% possession, compared to just 55.85% this campaign.

The team has become more vertical, with less focus on dominating possession.

Similarly, the positional rules have been lifted, and players like Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané have enjoyed much more freedom to roam.

Let’s begin with the organisation.

The back three formed by asymmetrical fullbacks is still there, although Alphonso Davies begins slightly deeper on the left.

Rather than a double pivot, Joshua Kimmich has been entrusted with the single pivot role ahead of two free 8s, usually Leon Goretzka and Sané or Jamal Musiala.

Kingsley Coman or João Cancelo will be on the right side and Thomas Müller is partnered with either Sadio Mané or Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

While Goretzka naturally performs as more of a fixed number eight without significant roaming, Musiala or Sané are the complete opposite.

Regardless, the midfield three is collectively very mobile and supportive.

Against PSG,