While I reflect on the latest fiasco surrounding Luis Suarez, I decided to take a break from matters related to Liverpool and take a look at the sublime performance put in by Bayern Munich and their coach Jupp Heynckes last night against Barcelona.
Jupp Heynckes is certainly doing his absolute best to ensure Pep Guardiola feels the pressure. On the day that Bayern announced Pep’s first signing, Dortmund trequarista Mario Gotze, Jupp came back to ensure that the limelight returns to where it belongs – the here and the now with the reigning Bayern Munich manager.
Unlike most sides who face Barcelona, Heynckes did not simply set the tactics to nullify Barcelona’s offensive assets and pray for the best – the German veteran prepared his team to impose their will instead!
Barcelona were allowed possession of the football were it mattered the least – next to Victor Valdes; with Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller pressing Pique and Batra relentlessly. The pressing continued with the disciplined Bastian Schweinsteiger keeping a keen eye on the movements of Xavi and Iniesta while Javi Martinez gave an ideal “Holding Midfield” performance.
But the real heroes of this triumph were the Bayern contingent positioned on the wings and this is where Jupp eventually won the game. Ribery and Robben formed a constant nuisance in attack forcing the likes of Alba and Dani Alves to reconsider every time they thought about providing the attacking overlap. Bayern’s wingers also produced a responsible performance of the highest caliber as they tracked back to support their midfielders and defenders in doubling up on Barca’s attacking options.
Meanwhile, Alaba and skipper Philip Lahm were simply perfect – they shadowed the movement of Barcelona’s forward trio into surrender as Messi, Sanchez and Pedro looked inept and futile.
The center backs were commanding but in truth Dante & Boateng only confronted whatever remained of Barca’s attack with Bayern producing the perfect team performance.
Barcelona were limited to 2 shots on target and 4 shots in total!
Yes, Messi wasn’t fully fit and Yes Barcelona did miss the likes of Puyol and Mascherano but you can take nothing away from that German triumph.
Tito Vilanova failed to alter his tactics – the presence of an out-and-out striker to trouble the Bayern defense was a necessity. In the end, Villa was introduced far too late.
Jupp Heynckes’ belief in his team is what made the difference – the wily German forced the questions out of that Barca lineup and instilled the right attitude into his players and he deserves full credit to this footballing massacre!
