Hamann on PSG second leg: Bayern must sharpen up tactically | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s 4:5 win at Paris Saint-Germain has electrified the whole of Europe – and also sent Didi Hamann into raptures. In his Sky column, the TV pundit speaks of „pure soccer“ and a game that impressively showed what happens when absolute world-class offensives meet. At the same time, however, he also issues a clear warning to the German record champions

For Hamann, the match was a prime example of modern, high-speed soccer. „You saw what can happen when six or seven of the world’s best attacking players are on the pitch,“ explained the 51-year-old. What was particularly striking was that neither team was afraid. Both teams always believed they could score more goals

No reproach to Neuer – offense excels

Particularly noteworthy: PSG scored five times from five shots on goal from Manuel Neuer. For Hamann, this was clear evidence of the exceptional quality of the Parisian finishes – and no reason to criticize the Bayern captain or the defence

„Neuer is not to be blamed,“ the former international made clear. He also explicitly defended Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, saying it was almost impossible to defend flawlessly for 90 minutes against players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Désiré Doué

On the other hand, Hamann singled out Michael Olise and Luis Díaz in particular, both of whom played an outstanding game. Olise, in particular, looked almost unstoppable even against Nuno Mendes, who Hamann considers one of the best left-backs in the world

PSG more variable offensively – Bayern physically stronger

photo: Getty Images

Despite Bayern’s strong attack, Hamann sees PSG as having a slight advantage. The French team „have more flow“ in attack and are therefore more difficult to count out. Bayern, on the other hand, often come through individual actions

His assessment of the team’s physical condition is also interesting: over the entire match, Munich actually made the fitter impression – a factor that could prove decisive in the second leg at the Allianz Arena

Clear demand for the second leg

However, Hamann has a clear message for the second leg. In his opinion, another open exchange of blows would be the wrong approach. „Bayern must try not to allow such a game in the second leg,“ he warned clearly

The reason is obvious: if you involve PSG in a wild offensive game, you play into your opponent’s hands. „If you play their game against PSG, they are simply too strong offensively,“ said Hamann

At the same time, a key question arises for him: is FC Bayern even capable of adapting its style? Under Vincent Kompany, Munich consistently rely on high pressing and man-to-man defending – an approach that has characterized the entire season

A more defensive approach hardly seems realistic, not least because the starting position is clear: Bayern have to win, and that inevitably means taking risks

According to Hamann, this is precisely where the biggest challenge lies, or in other words: Bayern must find the perfect balance between courage and control.