Picture for representational purpose only.
Kochi: Bayern Munich set the benchmark for excellence in 2013. They won five major trophies, the Bundesliga by a record margin of 25 points, the German Cup, the prestigious Uefa Champions League final, the Uefa Super Cup against Chelsea on penalties and the World Club Cup championship. Many experts feel they are the best and most consistent German club team of all time.
The triumphs were memorable but the match that will be eternally remembered is their convincing double-leg semi final triumph in the Champions League. Their 7-0 (home 4-0 and away 3-0) demolition of Barcelona was arguably a turning point in the history of world football.
Barcelona were without an injured Lionel Messi but could not cope with the pace, power and quick passing of Bayern Munich. Barcelona were run off their feet by a team with greater reserves of talent and stamina.
It was the emphatic manner of the triumph which was significant. For the first time since 2008, Barcelona was frustrated and helpless. A signifier of this helplessness was when left back Jordi Alba was shown a red card for throwing the ball at a Bayern Munich player during a throw in.
It also further signified that a weapon had been found to counter Spain’s famous tiki-taka style of football, based on constant movement and slick passing.
The bulk of the Spanish national side is from Barcelona and they play in a similar style. So during the Confederations Cup, Brazi-lian defender Dani Alves who plays for Barcelona told his national coach Luis Felipe Scolari that all the Barcelona players were uncomfortable against the high-pressing tactics and speed of Bayern Munich.
Brazil adopted a somewhat, similar approach play in the Confederations Cup final. Again Spain were exposed losing 0-3, missing a penalty kick and ending up a man short with defender Gerard Pique getting a red card. No longer is tiki-taka the future.
Bayern Munich were the dominant team of 2013 and look like continuing that in the New Year also. Cleverly their new coach Pep Guardiola has not attempted to change their successful style of play, adopted by previous incumbent Jupp Heynckes. They still play with two wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben or Thomas Muller, a lone striker Mario Mandzukic, defensive midfielders and a
flat back four.
Guardiola has just tweaked the system a little bit and made Bayern Munich even more flexible and formidable. He has shifted Philip Lahm from wing back to defensive midfielder.
Guardiola calls Lahm the most intelligent player he has ever coached, a major compliment as his trainees include Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Messi. Lahm’s new recruit Thiago Alcantara and the rapidly improving Toni Kroos has made Bayern Munich even more creative in midfield. Also when required instead of using a regular striker, they play with a false no. 9 or withdrawn striker, Mario Gotze or Muller or Xherdan Shaqiri filling that role.
The variety in Bayern’s approach play was evident as they strolled to victory in the recent World Club Cup championships. The future’s bright the future’s Bavarian.
( Source : dc )
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