FC Bayern had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the Champions League showdown against Arsenal. Despite taking the lead at one point, the Munich team ultimately fell short of a victory. However, it wasn’t just the result that sparked debate, but also the tactical approach of Vincent Kompany’s team. Ironically, German national team coach Jürgen Klopp expressed frustration with the German record champions’ style of play.
The 59-year-old was on hand as an analyst for DAZN on Wednesday evening and analyzed Munich’s first half during halftime. Klopp made it clear that he, in particular, cannot fully understand Bayern’s defensive approach.
“To this day, I still haven’t fully understood what Bayern does when they’re defending. But I just want to keep learning,” explained the former Liverpool coach.
Klopp Criticizes Bayern’s Defensive Approach
Above all, the varying marking strategies in their pressing seem to be giving Klopp a headache. “Sometimes it’s hybrid, then man-to-man, then not man-to-man. I’m still learning,” said the German national team coach with a smile.
The visitors’ opening goal provided the specific impetus for his analysis. Eberechi Eze had put Arsenal ahead 1–0 in the 25th minute. Bayern defender Josip Stanisic had lifted the offside trap immediately beforehand.
Klopp didn’t want to pin the blame for the goal solely on the Croatian international, however. “On the goal, someone lifted the offside trap, but there was no pressure on the ball beforehand. That’s what I’m missing,” explained the 59-year-old.
In doing so, Klopp addressed a fundamental problem: When Bayern defend high up the field, they must simultaneously apply sufficient pressure on the opponent in possession. Otherwise, spaces open up that an opponent like Arsenal can consistently exploit.
Kane’s role surprises Klopp
Klopp was particularly surprised by Harry Kane’s tactical role.
The English national team player repeatedly dropped deep against Arsenal and at times even supported his team in their own defensive line.
“Harry Kane is everywhere today. I think that’s fine with the ball, but without it… When I see Harry Kane in the back line—not in a deep block, but pressing in midfield… That’s just…,” Klopp explained.
He then added self-deprecatingly: “And again, I’m not the pope of soccer—everyone can do what they want—but I didn’t exactly jump on board with that either.”
Despite his unusual role, Kane also played a decisive part on offense.
In the 35th minute, the 33-year-old set up Alphonso Davies’s equalizer with a spectacular pass. After halftime, he even put Munich ahead 2–1 with a penalty kick.
It wasn’t enough for the win, however. Declan Rice scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute to make it a 2–2 draw.
Klopp’s comments are likely to spark discussion, however. After all, Kompany has shaped FC Bayern into one of Europe’s strongest teams with his offensive and aggressive style of play.
It is quite remarkable, then, that the German national team coach, of all people, would publicly admit to not fully understanding Munich’s tactical approach.