Bayern Munich 1-1 FC Koln: Initial reactions and observations

Did Joshua Kimmich redeem his performance with that goal? It’s a question worth asking. Bayern Munich created numerous chances, but it ended up being a fluke screamer that rescued the point. Julian Nagelsmann has some thinking to do regarding the offense — it doesn’t look anywhere near as fluid or assured as the first half of the season. A flick-on from Thomas Muller is more dangerous than 200 dribbles from our wingers. He needs to start the next game. Ryan Gravenberch may have recommended himself for more minutes with that performance. Given how the rest of the midfield is performing, he deserves more playing time. Once again, Nagelsmann’s subs leave question marks. Why was Jamal Musiala swapped for Thomas Muller? Couldn’t they play together? Why did Mathys Tel come on for Alphonso Davies, then play on the right side where he’s not as effective? Why switch to a back-three in the dying minutes of the game? Lots of questions to be asked in the coming days. Leroy Sane seemingly being Bayern’s #2 attacking midfielder makes no sense when Thomas Muller is available. The coach needs to get his priorities sorted. Sleepy defending on corners almost cost Bayern numerous times in this game. Did they fire the set piece coach too? Who’s in charge of this stuff?

Full time: Bayern Munich 1-1 FC Koln.

89’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Joshua Kimmich makes it 1-1! What an incredible shot!

85’ — Bayern are getting desperate now.

77’ — Chances are coming, but still 1-0 t0 Koln. This feels like one of those games.

67’ — Sub: Thomas Muller comes on for Jamal Musiala. WHY HAS NAGELSMANN DONE THIS?

57’ — The subs worked great, Bayern look much better. Still no goals yet.

45’ — The second half is underway! Ryan Gravenberch and Kingsley Coman come on for Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka.

Haltime: Bayern Munich are losing 1-0. This was horrible.

39’ — This is horrendous at the back from Bayern Munich. Koln could’ve been 2-0 up by now.

26’ — Still no way back for Bayern. The attack looks strangely disjointed.

4’ — Goal. What the hell just happened. Shkiri just made it 1-0 to Koln.

Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich! The first home game of 2023!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Julian Nagelsmann was happy with what he saw from Bayern Munich versus RB Leipzig, because here we have the exact same lineup. Will it be enough to beat FC Koln? We’ll have to wait and find out. Kickoff is in an hour’s time.

Starting the year with a draw definitely wasn’t ideal, but thanks to the cramped schedule, Bayern Munich can make things right straight away.

Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure from the media to start Thomas Muller, especially after the attack looked toothless versus RB Leipzig. However the coach has been reluctant to commit, instead preferring Jamal Musiala in the attacking midfield position. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will be looking to redeem themselves after poor performances in the weekend game, while Yann Sommer is searching for his first clean sheet in a Bayern shirt. Meanwhile, FC Koln, high on the back of a 7-1 win, will be looking to cause an upset.

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our latest podcast episode? It contains a preview + an update on the future of BFW after recent Vox Media layoffs. Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 8:30 pm local time, 2:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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