How Guardiola’s ingenious tweaks beat Bayern Munich as Man City stars make shocking position changes as he outwits Tuchel
Thanks to two ingenious tactical adjustments, PEP GUARDIOLA has finally brought a side of Thomas Tuchel to the sword.
The Spaniard officiated in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich – a game his side dominated throughout.
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The Citizens have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League thanks to goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.
Haaland was a threat from start to finish, but in a different capacity than he’s normally used.
The forward displayed his poaching instincts to round off the win but was able to cause problems on the ball.
Haaland has registered fewer than ten touches in a Premier League game on more than one occasion and has been criticized on occasion for hampering City’s all-round play.
But against Bayern, Guardiola gave him the freedom to go deep whenever he wanted and he was able to tie the game together with a total of 28 touches.
Haaland fell lower and allowed Kevin de Bruyne to roam forward unrestrictedly, with the Belgian producing three key passes.
It also meant City could quickly convert defense into attack, which was crucial given they only had 44 percent possession.
That’s a rarity for a Guardiola side, but the City boss made it difficult for his team to play him, partly due to John Stones switching to midfield when in possession.
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It’s a role he played to great effect in the 4-1 win over Liverpool earlier this month, allowing City to counter their biggest threat from Jamal Musiala.
Stones completed 28 passes and spoke about his new role after the match.
He said: “It’s a big learning curve, it definitely doesn’t come naturally.
“But it’s a chance to be a little more creative.
“I allow it. We’ve been together for seven years. He wouldn’t do it if he didn’t think I could do it. Then I try to express myself and do what I can for the team.
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“I try not to do too much. If players have 360 degree vision, I haven’t found that yet.
“If I can know I can shoot and play I will, but I’m trying to play it safe.”
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand praised Guardiola’s tactics and his bold call to replace De Bruyne.
He said: “We saw De Bruyne get pulled off the pitch. He wasn’t happy.
“That happens with players, big players, who want to be on the pitch all the time.
“Then they immediately scored two goals. Pep will go into the dressing room and say, ‘Listen, I know what I’m doing’.”
Guardiola has now beaten Tuchel in their last three meetings, getting revenge on the German after losing to his Chelsea side in the 2021 FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League final.
And the 52-year-old can now boast six wins against Tuchel and only three defeats.