At 0.77 xGA P90, Bayern Munich have arguably been Europe’s top defensive side in 2024/25.
Thats really where this article started.
Initially, this Bayern Munich press was an opportunity for study and self-improvement.
After watching the press from organised starting positions, other ideas emerged.
While Bayern is still one of the best defensive sides in the world, its simultaneously a side with some vulnerabilities in its high press, which is the topic of this tactical analysis.
Looking at the Bayern Munich high press, well first highlight some of the key principles of Vincent Kompanys tactical approach and then look at some of the ways opponents have managed to beat them in recent games.
Key Tactical Principles Of Bayern Munich’s High Press
Lets start off with some basics on FC Bayern’s high press.
They can adapt the number of players in the first pressing line, going with either two or three depending on the match tactics.
We have examples of both below, but the more relevant points to consider are the marking responsibilities that essentially leave the Bavarians man-for-man with little coverage for their teammates.
One of the core principles is to use their qualitative superiority against the opponent.
Between their soccer IQ and athleticism, this is a Bayern team that typically holds an advantage against opponents when lined up man-for-man.
Taking a man-marking approach, they can often stretch the attacking teams lines as the opponent looks to disconnect the Bayern Munich defence.
We get a good sense of this against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Bayern start aggressively, pushing their two forwards into the half spaces to account for the opponents centre-backs.
That leaves central space for the goalkeeper to operate and for Mönchengladbach to split the centre-backs with a midfielder.
As their #6 drops in, you can see the adjustment from Bayern Munich as they chase the #6 and rotate the marker on the free player in midfield.
All short and intermediate options are accounted for, and the objective is to force the opponent to play into a higher target.
In this example, the first touch results in a loss of possession, though Bayern does give it straight back.
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