Bayern Munich’s final preseason match against WSG Tirol ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory, but the game itself left much to be desired in terms of excitement. This friendly was supposed to be an opportunity for Vincent Kompany to finalize his tactics and give some of Bayern’s new and younger players a chance to shine. While the result was never really in doubt, the match was far from memorable, with both teams seemingly going through the motions.
A Dull Affair on the Pitch
From the outset, it was clear that this match wasn’t going to be a thrilling spectacle. Bayern Munich dominated possession and looked comfortable throughout, but WSG Tirol offered little resistance. The Austrian side, who are already two games into their league season, seemed content to sit back and absorb pressure, rarely venturing forward with any real intent.
Bayern, on the other hand, appeared to be in cruise control. Despite the lack of intensity, they managed to score three goals, with Harry Kane, João Palhinha, and Gabriel Vidović finding the back of the net. However, the lack of action meant that fans watching on FC Bayern TV PLUS, the exclusive broadcaster of the match, might have felt short-changed.
Key Performances: Palhinha and the Youngsters Shine
One of the few bright spots in this otherwise uneventful game was the performance of João Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder, making his first start for Bayern, was solid in the middle of the park and even managed to score a spectacular goal early in the second half. His presence in midfield was crucial as Bayern kept their first clean sheet under Vincent Kompany.
Another highlight was the performance of Bayern’s youngsters. Nestory Irankunda and Adin Ličina were particularly impressive, with Irankunda providing a brilliant assist for Vidović’s goal. Ličina, often compared to Jamal Musiala for his dribbling skills and creativity, was a constant threat to the Tirol defense. These young talents could play a significant role in Bayern’s future if they continue on their current trajectory.
Harry Kane: A Tactical Dilemma?
Harry Kane’s role in this Bayern setup continues to be a topic of discussion. Despite opening the scoring in the third minute, the England captain found himself drifting away from the penalty area for most of the match. Kane’s tendency to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play might be at odds with Kompany’s tactical preferences, which could lead to adjustments in his role as the season progresses.
In this game, Kane’s lack of involvement in the final third was noticeable, and it begs the question of how Bayern will utilize their star striker moving forward. Will he continue to play a deeper role, or will Kompany find a way to keep him closer to the goal where he is most dangerous?
The Questionable Exclusivity of FC Bayern TV
One of the most frustrating aspects of this match for fans was its exclusivity to FC Bayern TV PLUS. For a game that featured new signings like Harry Kane and promising young talents, it seemed like a missed opportunity not to make it more widely available. Fans who didn’t have access to the subscription service were left in the dark, unable to witness the team’s final preparations before the competitive season kicks off.
This decision has drawn criticism from the fanbase, especially given the lack of excitement in the match itself. For those who did tune in, the underwhelming performance might not have been worth the cost of the subscription.
Conclusion: A Final Tune-Up Before the Season Begins
While the match itself might not have been the most thrilling, it served its purpose as a final tune-up before Bayern Munich begins their competitive campaign. Vincent Kompany’s side will need to step up their intensity when they face SSV Ulm in the DFB Cup, followed by the start of the Bundesliga season against Wolfsburg.
As Bayern Munich looks forward to the start of the competitive season, this match against WSG Tirol will be remembered more as a final warm-up than a showcase of the team’s true potential. The real test lies ahead, and the Bayern faithful will be eager to see how their team performs when the stakes are higher.
The game against WSG Tirol highlighted some areas that still need work, particularly in how Bayern utilizes Harry Kane and how the team can maintain their sharpness against less challenging opponents. However, it also showcased the potential of Bayern’s younger players, who could play a key role as the season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Bayern Munich perform against WSG Tirol?
Bayern Munich won the match 3-0, but the performance was lackluster. The team dominated possession but didn’t face much resistance from WSG Tirol, making it a relatively uneventful game.
2. Who scored for Bayern Munich in the match?
Harry Kane, João Palhinha, and Gabriel Vidović were the goalscorers for Bayern Munich in the 3-0 victory over WSG Tirol.
3. How did João Palhinha perform in his first start for Bayern?
João Palhinha had a solid debut, contributing both defensively and offensively. He scored a spectacular goal and was crucial in helping Bayern maintain their first clean sheet under Vincent Kompany.
4. What was the main criticism from Bayern fans regarding the match?
Many fans were frustrated that the match was exclusively available on FC Bayern TV PLUS, which limited its viewership. Given the lack of excitement in the game, some felt that the subscription service wasn’t worth the cost for this particular match.
5. What are the key takeaways from Bayern’s final preseason match?
The match highlighted the potential of Bayern’s young players like Nestory Irankunda and Adin Ličina. However, it also raised questions about Harry Kane’s role in the team and the overall intensity of Bayern’s play against less challenging opponents.