Bayern insights after Freiburg: Karl must now also rock the Emirates | OneFootball

FC Bayern come from 2-0 down to win clearly against SC Freiburg. FCBinside provides three insights into the match.

Bayern initially struggled against the visitors from Freiburg, but then went on to win 6-2. The game provided the following insights:

1. Karl must now also rock the Emirates

Michael Olise only underlined the fact that he is a world-class player against Freiburg: two goals, three assists, man of the match, FCBinside grade 1. The Frenchman is getting better and better and played the biggest part in Bayern turning the game around after trailing 2-0 against Freiburg.

But a second attacking player also earned top marks: Lennart Karl. The youngster whirled in the attack together with Olise. First Karl set up a goal for Olise, then it was the other way round and Bayern had already equalised. Karl constantly created danger with his fine ball handling and his quick runs and dribbles. It was only the 17-year-old’s ninth Bundesliga game – when you see him play like that, it feels like he’s been around forever. Karl doesn’t just keep up with Bayern like that. Karl can be decisive in games.

The third player in the attacking line-up behind Harry Kane was Luis Diaz. He will miss the record champions‘ upcoming Champions League top match at FC Arsenal on Wednesday. The Colombian was banned for three games after his red card in the win in Paris. Bayern want to take action against the harsh punishment, but Diaz will be missing the team one hundred per cent in London.

He is likely to be replaced by Serge Gnabry, who was absent against Freiburg due to muscular problems after the international break. Gnabry feels at home in London and traditionally enjoys scoring Bayern to victory there.

But Karl should also be given another chance in the clash at Arsenal by coach Vincent Kompany. It would be his third game in the Champions League. With a performance like the one against Freiburg, he could attract the attention of the whole of Europe. Bayern also need a strong performance: Arsenal, like FCB, have won all their games in the top flight and the absence of Diaz weighs heavily. He has been on the pitch in all games so far and has been one of the most important players with four goals and three assists. Karl will therefore be in demand on Wednesday. If Bayern want to beat Arsenal, he must now also rock the Emirates.

2. Kimmich is irreplaceable

Bayern struggled more at the start against Freiburg than against any other team this season. The FCB stars completely failed to get a grip on the game at home until the 2-1 final goal. Munich did not exude their usual dominance, and Joshua Kimmich was the main symbol of dominance. The international was rested and Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leon Goretzka came on for him in the center of midfield.

Pavlovic made an effort from the start, but Goretzka played disappointingly and was given an FCBinside grade of 5. Goretzka once again took no risks in attack, only played simple passes and thus did nothing for Bayern’s game.

As a result, he was substituted at half-time and left-back Tom Bischof took over in the center, giving Bayern more structure, while Pavlovic improved alongside Bischof and controlled Bayern’s play.

Nevertheless, it became clear: Kimmich is irreplaceable for Bayern. With him, Bayern have a completely different approach, without him they lack bite, but also the constant forward orientation in the build-up. It’s good for Bayern that he will probably be able to play again in London at Arsenal. The team will then need Kimmich again as a control center and leader.

3. Upamecano is becoming more and more expensive

Bayern have still not reached an agreement on a contract extension with Dayot Upamecano. If the central defender continues like this, he will only get more expensive from game to game.

He put in another good performance against Freiburg. Even though he was unable to win the crucial header duel before the 2-0 scoreline, the Frenchman still played very resolutely and convincingly. His goal to put Bayern 3-2 ahead after trailing 2-0 was a decisive factor in the win.

photo: IMAGO

After the game, Upamecano was of course asked about the status of the negotiations. But he didn’t really let himself be drawn into the cards. „We’re discussing it with Bayern. We’ll see what happens. I can say that a hundred times. We’re discussing it,“ said the 27-year-old.

But there was at least a lot of praise for Kompany: „Vincent Kompany is an outstanding coach, I’m very happy with him, we talk a lot. I’m glad that he has extended his contract until 2029,“ said Upamecano.

The Bayern coach – himself a former defender like Upamecano – has guided him to this level after the difficult time under Thomas Tuchel. Now those responsible around sporting director Max Eberl must find a solution so that Bayern can keep Upamecano in this top form.