WED, APRIL. 12 2023-theGBJournal | Manchester City has one leg in the semifinals after brushing aside rival Bayern Munich 3-0 at home in the first leg of their UCL match.
In what was seen as a “battle of the titans,” Manchester showed this could be their season as goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland put them one leg into the semi-finals.
This was a disappointing result for Bayern, who many had expected to put up a fight.
For Pep, it looks like he will finally get the one major trophy that has eluded him as coach of Manchester City.
The coach experiment seems like a failure.
When Bayern sacked former coach Naggelsman, many people were surprised; despite his patchy league form, he had just eliminated PSG. The appointment of Tuchel came as a surprise, and it is safe to say it isn’t working out.
Tuchel has accounted 40% of Bayern’s losses has account. With many questioning if his style of football fits Bayern’s and if they plan to learn and adapt it mid-season,
From the treble dream to just winning the league Bayern’s bosses would think if they made the right decision.
Tuchel’s first half tactics were so flawed, allowing Manchester City to dictate play, why they defend and wait for counters or long balls.
This isn’t Bayern style, and Tuchel would need to adapt the team—or make the team adapt to him.
Not all heroes wear caps; some are defenders.
City has mastered the act of defending as a unit and also focused on what happens without the ball.
The fact that Grealish made some tackles showed how Pep now expects defensive transitions with both zonal and man marking.
With these Bayern wing threats, we’re on edge.
How far Pep goes in this competition depends on how compact his defense is.
DIAS, Ake, and Akanji are keys to setting up the city.
Dias has grown to become the leader of the defense for the City; he was able to sniff out attacks, and with Ake and Akanji handling wing ball plays.
These three were the neutralizers that were effective in curtailing Tuchelban football for Ake. He had a wonderful World Cup contribution and has continued to be among the best center backs currently for Akanji. He is the city’s best signing behind Haaland
Nathan Ake’s game by numbers vs. Bayern:
100% of aerial duels won
59 touches
8 duels were contested.
6 duels won
6 clearances
3 tackles
3x possession won
0x dribbled past
Ruben Dias’ game by numbers vs. Bayern:
77 touches
7x possession won
7 duels were contested.
6 duels won
5 accurate long balls
3 tackles
3 clearances
3 blocks
Jamal Musiala needs to start scoring; was Mane’s gamble a mistake?
Dayot Upamecano and costly mistakes cost Bayern.
Musiala is one of the best youngsters in the world, but his inability to score much is one of his weaknesses. He had a golden opportunity to score but fluffed his lines.
Bayern need him back in form; his dribbles and pace aren’t enough, and he needs to start scoring soon.
When Bayern signed Mane as a big-name signing, they were expecting big things to come. Poor form and injuries have limited Mane from performing, and he needs to perform to justify his large salary being paid.
Upamecano has been one of Bayern’s standout players, but his mistakes today were part of the reason why Bayern lost the game. He is still young and has a lot of time to improve.
Rodri, the glue that holds the team together, and Erling Haaland
Mam City and Spanish midfielder Rodri are the glue that holds the team together.
His tactical discipline, clearance, covering passing range, and shot accuracy have been what Cuty needed.
His ability to link up both defense and attack is crucial for the city.
Who can stop Erling Haaland from breaking records?
Haaland and City are a match made in heaven, and with the team tactics tailored to his game, I think there’s no stopping him from breaking records.
History
Only Ruud van Nistelrooy (12 in 2002/03) has scored more goals in a single Champions League campaign for an English side than Erling Haaland (11).
Man of the match
Ruben Dias
This article is curtesy of wavysport
Twitter-@theGBJournal|
