FC Bayern's starting XI for the upcoming season?

[Trim]

We had a similar thread last season. Here is another one, for the upcoming 2008/09 season.

I didn't make this thread until now as we were waiting for any possible transfer. But the board has ruled out any new arrival or departure for now, so we can go ahead with the line-ups. If any new transfer is made, we can always make new edited line-ups.

To kick off this thread, here's an interesting editorial from Goal.com:

What To Expect From Klinsmann's Bayern?

Alan Tardieu analyses how Bayern Munich's squad is shaping up for an assault on their domestic league as well as Europe this coming season...

The celebrated and legendary Ottmar Hitzfeld is gone; now, a new era beckons for Bayern Munich - the Klinsmann era. Juergen Klinsmann inherits an already celebrated team but one which has become, surprisingly, very docile on the European front. Clearly they are the strongest in Germany, but it is the ability to contend with Europe’s elite, which is the hallmark of any great team.

In his only recognized coaching job to date, under Klinsmann, Germany adopted a unique high tempo brand of football. Instead of having players adapt to a particular style, Klinsmann recognized the players making up the national pool and formulated a style to suit them. Germany is never going to play a short pass, possession game like the Argentines or the Spanish, nor would they even come close to what the Brazilians have to offer in terms of flair and creativity. However, their game was based on strong powerful players who were able to get forward quickly and maximize their aerial advantage. Germany was able to play a very direct quick tempo game based on power and pace with a very compact team pushing high up field. With Bayern it would be wrong to anticipate a style of football to echo what Germany offered, as clearly Bayern possess a different dynamic in terms of squad.

It is true that many Bayern players make up the German national team, but that is only on the periphery. Players like Lahm, Jansen, Podolski, Klose and Schweinsteiger all play to the extremes of the field, either all the way up top or towards the flanks. In their squad, Bayern do not have players in the mould of Mertesacker, Metzelder, Frings and Ballack. That being said, what Klinsmann has to work with is an even more eclectic bunch of players, offering more versatility, greater mobility and agility.

With Klinsmann you can expect Bayern to adopt a more English approach. He has made no secret of his admiration of the English game, and stresses that the speed at which the game is played in the Premiership is the ideal to which his teams are based upon. Just how they will line up and what system they would use, only Klinsmann knows for sure, but speed will definitely be the focal point of the game. When you look at the squad and analyze the players available to Klinsmann it is quite evident that Bayern will not be the strongest defensively. With Kahn leaving the stable, Michael Rensing’s time is now. He has been greatly talked of, over the years, and the time has come to prove that he is indeed Kahn’s successor. Rensing has Klinsmann’s backing and will go into the season as their undisputed number one. Further up field Bayern officially has eight defensive players, with four of these being attack minded wingbacks; Lahm, Jansen, Lelll and Sagnol. The central defensive four are Lucio, Demichelis, Van Buyten and the youngster Breno.

This is important because one of Bayern’s biggest criticisms last season was there lack of a recognized defensive midfielder. Both Ze Roberto and Van Bommel shared responsibilities but with such an attacking mindset, a specialist, in this position is priceless. The specialist has the ability to read and follow the game as well as maintaining the discipline at all times, holding their ground however tempting or daunting play proceeds. The only true defensive midfielder in Bayern’s ranks is squad player Andreas Ottl. Having played 33 times In the 2006-2007 season he managed just 30 games in 2007-2008 in all competitions, most of these however, where off the bench. The inclusion of Tim Borowski will add to the clutter of centre midfielders in the Bayern camp. Just how Klinsmann would decide to deploy them will depend on fitness, injury and possible opponents. Tim Borowski by all accounts is an intelligent gifted footballer, not nearly as recognized as the other German contingent for the simple fact that his position with the National Team is occupied by Michael Ballack. He is a strong, tall powerful midfielder equally adept with both feet and cemented his international stature under Juergen Klinsmann.

One could look at the varying possibilities of lineups from the midfield and be very hard pressed to say which is the strongest. By all accounts Franck Ribery is a sure starter, and with Schweinstiger and Altintop performing so admirably at the Euros and Sosa set to explode at the Olympics the combinations are exciting to say the least. A midfield of Van Bommel, Ze Roberto, Ribery and Schweinstiger finished the season strongly but fans can also imagine Altintop, Van Bommel, Ribery and Sosa. Perhaps Ze Roberto, Borowski, Altintop, and Ribery or what about an all German mix of young talent in Ottl, Borowski, Schweinsteiger and the much acclaimed Toni Kroos. In terms of playing style, and if we are to believe that Klinsmann would be playing a quick high tempo game, then gifted ball handlers who excel in one on one situations, would be the way to go. Perhaps even risk a defender and play five across the park. A five-man midfield would definitely accommodate more midfielders. What Bayern has to their advantage over most teams, is that all of their midfielders offer something different in terms of style and ability. The dribbling of Ribery, and the South Americans is offset by the passing and distance shooting abilities of Altintop, Schweinsteiger, Kroos and Borowski. Factor in the overall box-to-box game of Van Bommel (whose work rate is second only to Altintop), who adds steel, drive and leadership. In fact the high tempo game favoured by Klinsmann will suit the likes of Altintop and Van Bommel perfectly but maybe less so Ze Roberto, who is in his final year in Munich.

Up top, at the moment, Bayern has three recognized strikers. With the contrasting performances of Podolski, Klose and Toni at the Euros it is anybodies guess as to Klinsmann’s strongest partnership. The constant in possible partnerships is Miroslav Klose as he has shown that he can work seamlessly with either Podolski or Toni. Injuries and fitness will more or less dictate who gets the nod from the go. Toni is a classic goal poacher and works well off another forward doing the donkeywork, as was so evident at the Euros. Klose who is very adept in the air and ground but had something of a scoring slump by his high standards, and would want to remind everyone just who the Golden Boot winner was at the World Cup. Podolski more than anyone else has a lot to prove. The Bayern elders have so far stood by him, despite his numerous sound bites with the press and have distanced themselves from reports linking him to a move away. Klinsmann is a huge fan of Podolski and it was under his tutelage that Podolski became a star. Podolski has claimed that the Bayern staff has no faith in him but under Klinsmann he can perhaps find the motivation needed to achieve his potential with a huge club team. The possibility also remains that Bayern play three up top, with Podolski working the left flank where he linked up so well with Schwenistiger during the Euros.

Many possibilities exist in terms of starting teams but what is more important is that Klinsmann has inherited a squad eager to be regarded as one of the strongest in Europe. Of the current squad, only Willy Sagnol was in the team that won the Champions League in 2001, therefore, the desire is strong with the current crop to realize their true potential. It should also be noted that Klinsmann has inherited this squad of players. He has so far, not gone ahead and signed anyone himself. He has already introduced a new coaching staff and his ideas have already been implemented in the overall functioning of activities at Munich. The construction of the new training centre is the brainchild of Klinsmann himself, and is one of, if not, the most spectacular of all of Europe’s leading clubs. From screens in the locker doors dictating a players customized routine, to the implementation of an eight-hour shift, where players remain at the club for the day during the pre-season. The centre offers comfort and all the latest technologies to provide entertainment and a greater interaction amongst the squad.

Bayern would be measured by their display in the Champions League as the Bundesliga title takes second place this season in the clubs priorities. Just how Klinsmann’s techniques and methods trickle down towards the players, remains to be seen, but the board has shown that they are more than willing to match the coach’s ambitions and ideas. The board has confirmed their commitment to the cause and Klinsmann must deliver, not necessarily the Champions League Title, as it is a mission in progress but at least a credible showing that solidifies Bayern as a member of Europe’s elite.

Goal.com - Editorial - What To Expect From Klinsmann's Bayern?


So, what formation/line-up do you expect to see?

[RunX]

Its Hard To Know ...... The Line Up That Prefere Klinsi ..
The Bundesliga It Will Be 4-4-2 :
Rensing
Lell/Sagnol....Breno/Michu....Lucio.....Lahm/Jansen
Schwini/Hamit......Borowski.....Van Bommel/Ze Roberto....Ribery
Podolski......Klose/Toni

[Trim]

Honestly, it was much easier to predict the line-up last season, because of the new arrivals (Ribéry, Toni, Klose) and knowing Hitzfeld's mind.

Klinsmann is new for us, we don't know what in his mind yet. Also, we have some unsettled players for now, such as Podolski, and we don't know whether he will play or not, or what position will he play. Also, there is a strong competition for places, it's very hard to predict.

Here are some possibilities:

1)


2)


3)


4)


5)


A lot possible options and question marks, and as I said, it's really hard to predict. Some pre-season friendlies could reveal something.

Discuss.

[RunX]

Yeah Its Very hard To Predict The Line Up .. The Friendly matches will gives us something ....
Lets Wait And See ..

[BlackNess]

Originally Posted by MiRo^KloSe

Yeah Its Very hard To Predict The Line Up .. The Friendly matches will gives us something ....
Lets Wait And See ..

This guy should be a Mod .... really

Trim, you mentioned all the possible Line ups for next season I think, I can't chose one but from my point of view Ribery, Toni, Podolski, Schweini and Klose ... all must start, I don't know how.


We should try this :

Klose Toni
Podolski Ribery Schweini

[YaFCBoy]

Originally Posted by BlackNess

This guy should be a Mod .... really

Trim, you mentioned all the possible Line ups for next season I think, I can't chose one but from my point of view Ribery, Toni, Podolski, Schweini and Klose ... all must start, I don't know how.


We should try this :

Klose Toni
Podolski Ribery Schweini

Exactly how I see it. Something along the lines of a
4-1-2-1-2 with Ribery/Podolski/Schwini at CAM. Any of them could play there and succeed.
While Trim, I know you're adamant about having Ribery on the left, but he could be just as effective in the center, and that would obviously allow Podolski to play that NT position that he flourished in.

Either way, with Klose/Toni/Schwini/Poldi/Ribery all in the lineup, Ze Roberto or MvB is going to be upset because they'll be seeing a lot of the bench in that formation.

[__-SNAKE-__]

How about this? a 4-3-2-1

Rensing
Sagnol Lucio Van Buyten/Demichelis Lahm

Schweinsteiger Van Bommel/Borowksi Ribery
Klose Podolski
Toni

[Oliver_Kahn]

Originally Posted by YaFCBoy

Exactly how I see it. Something along the lines of a
4-1-2-1-2 with Ribery/Podolski/Schwini at CAM. Any of them could play there and succeed.
While Trim, I know you're adamant about having Ribery on the left, but he could be just as effective in the center, and that would obviously allow Podolski to play that NT position that he flourished in.

Either way, with Klose/Toni/Schwini/Poldi/Ribery all in the lineup, Ze Roberto or MvB is going to be upset because they'll be seeing a lot of the bench in that formation.

Guys, think about what you're saying.

You guys are suggesting we should play with 2 strikers (which I agree), a striker on the left wing (who doesn't track back at all), a lazy ass Schweinsteiger on the right and an offensive midfielder who doesn't track back either, all in front of one single DM? No chance that will ever happen.

One thing is playing offensively, another completely different thing is what you guys are suggesting, which is absolutely suicidal. Klinsmann may be a rookie, but I very much doubt he will ever play that, unless we're losing by 2 goals.

With that being said, Schweinsteiger must not start when we have both Ribery and Hamit fit, because Ribery is just the best and Hamit is clearly a much better player. Ze Roberto-Van Bommel in midfield is a must as well, Borowski rotates with them.

Up front I'd have Il Bomber (our best striker, hands down) and Klose. That is a proven partnership which I don't think needs changing. Podolski can rotate with Klose, but I'm really not too bothered about him, he never really played well for us and he had enough chances last season, so for me, he should be on the bench.

I have some doubts about the defence, because if Sagnol is named captain, he will have to start. If he isn't named captain, then Jansen can take his place. But if it was me choosing the line-up, I'd say:

....................Rensing -.-'
Lahm.....Lucio (C)...Demichelis.....Jansen
..........Mv Bommel.....ze Roberto
....Hamit.............................Ribery
.................Toni.......Klose

Schweini as the first alternative for the wingers, Borowski as the first alternative for the center-mids, Podolski as the alternative to the striker.
Oh and Breno ahead of van Buyten as far as I'm concerned, we made a huge investment in him so he needs to play to develop his game; Van Buyten is an established player already and he doesn't need playing time, he just needs to be a good bench warmer.

Looking forward to seeing what Klinsmann is going to do though, should be interesting.

[__-SNAKE-__]

You're pretty harsh mate. van Buyten may be an established player but he also needs his time. And as far as I'm concerened both Poldi and Schweini should start, given their great performance in the Euro. Playing 4-3-2-1 is a the better option than playing a standard 4-2-2-2, Ze Roberto is an important player true, but I think he will be the one to rotate, I suggested Van Bommel playing along side Schweinsteiger on the right and Ribery on the left. And all 3 forwards playing upfront, with Poldi and Klose supporting both wings and Toni as lone Striker. I think that Hamit should rotate the midfield along with Ze Robero and Borowski. Van Buyten should be a little bit more frequent in starting XI, Breno still has time, he will make sub appearances.

[YaFCBoy]

Originally Posted by Oliver_Kahn

Guys, think about what you're saying.

You guys are suggesting we should play with 2 strikers (which I agree), a striker on the left wing (who doesn't track back at all), a lazy ass Schweinsteiger on the right and an offensive midfielder who doesn't track back either, all in front of one single DM? No chance that will ever happen.

One thing is playing offensively, another completely different thing is what you guys are suggesting, which is absolutely suicidal. Klinsmann may be a rookie, but I very much doubt he will ever play that, unless we're losing by 2 goals.

With that being said, Schweinsteiger must not start when we have both Ribery and Hamit fit, because Ribery is just the best and Hamit is clearly a much better player. Ze Roberto-Van Bommel in midfield is a must as well, Borowski rotates with them.

Up front I'd have Il Bomber (our best striker, hands down) and Klose. That is a proven partnership which I don't think needs changing. Podolski can rotate with Klose, but I'm really not too bothered about him, he never really played well for us and he had enough chances last season, so for me, he should be on the bench.

I have some doubts about the defence, because if Sagnol is named captain, he will have to start. If he isn't named captain, then Jansen can take his place. But if it was me choosing the line-up, I'd say:

....................Rensing -.-'
Lahm.....Lucio (C)...Demichelis.....Jansen
..........Mv Bommel.....ze Roberto
....Hamit.............................Ribery
.................Toni.......Klose

Schweini as the first alternative for the wingers, Borowski as the first alternative for the center-mids, Podolski as the alternative to the striker.
Oh and Breno ahead of van Buyten as far as I'm concerned, we made a huge investment in him so he needs to play to develop his game; Van Buyten is an established player already and he doesn't need playing time, he just needs to be a good bench warmer.

Looking forward to seeing what Klinsmann is going to do though, should be interesting.

I get what you're saying, but saying Poldi and Schwini don't track back is a fallacy. I, and I'm sure you as well, watched the Euros. And if you did, you would see that both players spent an ample amount of time in our defensive third (Not a lot, but enough).
I think you're biggest problem is that you don't care for Schweinstiger. That's fine, everyone gets their opinion. However, he did play well for Bayern at the end of the season, and shined at Euro 08. He can battle it out with Hamit for the RM spot for all I care, but I still stand by having an offensive mindset. There's nothing wrong with a 4-1-2-1-2 or SOMETHING LIKE THAT, with Ribery, Podolski, Klose, Toni, and Hamit/Schwini on the field all at the same time.
The wingers CAN track back. Even better, having Hamit on the right will ensure tracking back well because he's played the RB for Turkey before.

I'm just throwing out possibilities so we don't have some flare up with Podolski crying about not getting playing time.

In my humble opinion, it can work. But as you said O_K, wingers must track back.

Lastly, there's no harm in playing different formations depending on the type of team we're facing. So it can vary from game to game, there's no set formation, really.

[Trim]

I guess playing the identic formation of last season (check option 1 of the line-ups I did) is the safest option.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Originally Posted by __-SNAKE-__

You're pretty harsh mate. van Buyten may be an established player but he also needs his time. And as far as I'm concerened both Poldi and Schweini should start, given their great performance in the Euro. Playing 4-3-2-1 is a the better option than playing a standard 4-2-2-2, Ze Roberto is an important player true, but I think he will be the one to rotate, I suggested Van Bommel playing along side Schweinsteiger on the right and Ribery on the left. And all 3 forwards playing upfront, with Poldi and Klose supporting both wings and Toni as lone Striker. I think that Hamit should rotate the midfield along with Ze Robero and Borowski. Van Buyten should be a little bit more frequent in starting XI, Breno still has time, he will make sub appearances.

Podolski and Schweinsteiger had a good Euro, but so did Hamit, fact. Hamit >>> Schweinsteiger last season, fact. And Podolski = shit for Bayern, fact.
So how am I being harsh, if I'm just stating facts?

Klose supporting the wings? He doesn't have enough technique nor pace to do that, plus I've never even seen Klose sending a cross. So no, I don't think so.
Van Bommel, who can't tackle, as the lone DM, with 2 offensive wingers in midfield and 3 strikers? Mate, this is not FIFA 08.

Originally Posted by YaFCBoy

I get what you're saying, but saying Poldi and Schwini don't track back is a fallacy. I, and I'm sure you as well, watched the Euros. And if you did, you would see that both players spent an ample amount of time in our defensive third (Not a lot, but enough).

Podolski very rarely defended, hence why you saw Jansen and Lahm constantly being double-teamed. Podolski was a great weapon for Germany, offensively speaking. But defensively speaking, he wasn't really up for the task, as I didn't see him tackle a single time. I'm not saying it's his fault though, he is a striker, he isn't supposed to be tackling in our midfield half, which is why I don't think he will work there.
Also, don't forget that Germany were completely smashed by Croatia, because they weren't strong enough in defence nor in midfield, Podolski on the wings only worked well against Austria and Poland, because, quite frankly, they are shit.

Before you mention the matches vs Portugal, Turkey and Spain, keep in mind that Germany played with 2 defensive midfielders, which wouldn't be the case in the formation you suggested. 1 more defensive midfielder makes all the difference.

Originally Posted by YaFCBoy

I think you're biggest problem is that you don't care for Schweinstiger. That's fine, everyone gets their opinion. However, he did play well for Bayern at the end of the season, and shined at Euro 08. He can battle it out with Hamit for the RM spot for all I care, but I still stand by having an offensive mindset. There's nothing wrong with a 4-1-2-1-2 or SOMETHING LIKE THAT, with Ribery, Podolski, Klose, Toni, and Hamit/Schwini on the field all at the same time.
The wingers CAN track back. Even better, having Hamit on the right will ensure tracking back well because he's played the RB for Turkey before.

Mate, do you honestly believe that you'll see Podolski and Ribery defend as much as Hamit or Ze Roberto do? If you do, then you're absolutely wrong mate, sorry. Podolski and Ribery are the type of players that make difference on the final third of the field, by making them defend, you will:
1) help the inefficiency as they would play a lot deeper
2) have problems in midfield as you would have 2 forwards trying to tackle

About Schweinsteiger, it's true that I don't really care about him. He was just so disappointing last season, he chocked in all big matches and I don't think he is good enough on the right, because he rarely sends a cross in. For me, Hamit is ahead of him, by quite a bit.

Originally Posted by YaFCBoy

I'm just throwing out possibilities so we don't have some flare up with Podolski crying about not getting playing time.

In my humble opinion, it can work. But as you said O_K, wingers must track back.

Lastly, there's no harm in playing different formations depending on the type of team we're facing. So it can vary from game to game, there's no set formation, really.

Fair enough. Btw, don't take anything personal, I sound too harsh most of the times, it's just my way of arguing, sorry

[__-SNAKE-__]

Originally Posted by Oliver_Kahn

Podolski and Schweinsteiger had a good Euro, but so did Hamit, fact. Hamit >>> Schweinsteiger last season, fact. And Podolski = shit for Bayern, fact.
So how am I being harsh, if I'm just stating facts?

Klose supporting the wings? He doesn't have enough technique nor pace to do that, plus I've never even seen Klose sending a cross. So no, I don't think so.
Van Bommel, who can't tackle, as the lone DM, with 2 offensive wingers in midfield and 3 strikers? Mate, this is not FIFA 08.

True, Hamit did have a good Euro along with Schweini and Poldi. Playing 4-3-2-1 was Milan's style, so thats why I suggested that. But I agree with you. Im wrong on this one, so I admit defeat in this arguement. I think Klinsmann will just have to rotate alot, like Van Bommel and Borowski, Klose and Poldi, Schweini and Hamit. Considering that last seasons formation, was actually one of the best, I think Klinsmann will follow up with that too. Hey, would it be possible for Schweini to take control of the center midfield instead of Van Bommel and play Hamit on the right?