With a 4-2 win over Wolfsburg, FC Bayern regained the lead in the Bundesliga that it had briefly relinquished to Union Berlin, but showed a number of weaknesses in its defensive performance. Alphonso Davies was a particular focus of attention. Nagelsmann, however, came to the Canadian’s defense.
With the away win at VfL Wolfsburg, Munich proved that they can win in the Bundesliga after all. After three draws in a row, the recent results crisis seems to have come to an end for the time being. However, even though there was an improvement in terms of commitment and fighting spirit, the defense was always a cause for concern.
Several FC Bayern players proved to be susceptible in their defensive behavior. Davies in particular seemed unfocused in many situations and produced by far the most ball losses against the Wolves (22). After the change of ends, the left-back improved, but it is still noticeable that the 22-year-old is currently far from his top form.
„I don’t think he’s overplayed.“
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke at the press conference after the Wolfsburg game about the supposed crisis of form of the full-back, who comes to almost 2000 minutes of play across competitions this season “ He is not overplayed. I think he wants a tad too much at times. He has his heart in the right place and wants to influence things, step on the gas, throw everything in,“ said the 35-year-old. „Sometimes that’s a bit too much, he misses the right moment on the pass.“
Bayern’s coach knows the importance of his offensively strong left-back. After his goal in the cup against Mainz (4:0), Davies was able to contribute to the victory against the Wolves with a goal assist. In general, Nagelsmann was understanding in the discussion about the arrow-quick left-footer: „I think it’s normal at this age that you don’t always play at the same level, but also sometimes a small phase where not everything succeeds. But that will also change again.“
