Nagelsmann under Bayern’s board observation – Less experimentation anticipated

Bayern Munich had the biggest transfer window in the club’s history in the summer of 2022. 

Hasan Salihamidzic delivered while being surrounded by doubts and criticism during his time as a sporting director. Julian Nagelsmann and Salihamidzic’s right-hand Marco Neppe were instrumental in the transfer window by luring the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Sadio Mane, Noussair Mazraoui, Ryan Gravenberch and Mathys Tel. All three were involved in talks with the agents, with the players, with the clubs, and convincing them, like never before.

Now that Salihamidzic has proven to be vital in Bayern’s transfer window, it is now up to Julian Nagelsmann to deliver. The Bosnian is waiting for the contract extension on the table, where everything will be decided by a meeting on 29th August.

Fewer experiments expected this season

Following the criticism of Julian Nagelsmann concerning his game plan, the head coach plans to experiment way less this season, according to SportBild’s Wednesday edition.

Last season, Julian Nagelsmann was found to change his formation 9 times in the Bundesliga’s second half of the season. His gameplay was seen with criticism by the departed Robert Lewandowski, who thought of the formation to be too complex and way more difficult to score goals.

While the most commonly used formations were the 4231 and the 3241 last season, Nagelsmann wants to sort out a more stable system with flexible players who can offer a lot of options. In the DFL Supercup final against RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann used a 4-2-2-2 system with Sadio Mane and Serge Gnabry up front, and Jamal Musiala and Thomas Müller behind them occupying the halfspaces. He is planning to use the formation in the entire season, but of course, the use of the back three formation should not be ruled out.

With Robert Lewandowski’s departure, Nagelsmann wants to make the team more flexible in the attack and only ‚focused on one player‘. With Jamal Musiala’s solid performances, the German midfielder can expect a lot of chances as a regular starter.

Nagelsmann under observation

The elimination against Villareal FC was unexpected and the major transfer window would have never happened if it were not for the elimination. As Bayern Munich paid 25 million euros to lure Julian Nagelsmann last year, the deal is that they should also back him up with transfer wishes. Now that the club has provided Nagelsmann with a midfielder, defensive leader, attacker, and a right-back, the club has now put Nagelsmann under their observation.

According to SportBild, the bosses want to be focused on Nagelsmann’s development after fulfilling his transfer wishes. The leadership expects Nagelsmann to build a functional team after Lewandowski’s departure and to develop players. Most importantly, the bosses want Nagelsmann to prove to them that he can win more than „only“ one title in one season.

The head coach has been actively involved

Julian Nagelsmann has also been involved on all fronts when it comes to player communication, transfers, media standing, as well as forming a stable system for the team. Since last season, Nagelsmann proved that he can handle the media questions quite well, as well as stand and speak with the proper communication while the crisis was present, since the drama with the Qatar deal.

Later, Kingsley Coman was promoted to Bayern’s team hierarchy, and most recently, Leon Goretzka has become a vital contact person for Nagelsmann since Lewandowski’s departure. Two of the most important contact person for the head coach were also Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich, whom he held a lot of discussions with in terms of what went wrong and right during last season and how things should improve.

Furthermore, Joshua was not only promoted as a third captain but he and Neuer were also vital in Bayern’s transfer window. The club also wanted to know their opinions regarding new squad additions.

Aside from being heavily involved in the talks with new and current players, Nagelsmann has also begun to revolutionize the training sessions at Bayern Munich. The „points system“ has already been integrated into the team, where the training performances will be translated into points, which will determine whether a player starts or not.

Lastly, Nagelsmann’s wish of having a giant TV screen in the training ground is also close to fulfillment. By the end of August, Bayern’s training facilities will have installed a video screen in the training facilities which will be used to analyze games of any opponent, mistakes, and players‘ movements.

With all the massive upheaval on all fronts, Nagelsmann has now been given all the tools, he only needs to find the key to success, and that by taking advantage of all the resources he’s been given in the best way possible.