Five things learned as Bayern beat PSG in Kovac’s first game in charge

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Bayern Munich defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 today in a match that showcased some potential new stars for the French side, whilst also showing the two sides of Bayern’s play. 

The International Champions Cup at Worthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria, saw a goal from Timothy Weah matched by a Javi Martinez header, before an expert Renato Sanches free-kick and a smart finish from 17-year-old Joshua Zirkzee ensured the game finished in the German side’s favour.

The match saw both Bayern and PSG build towards their 2018/19 campaign with their new managers in charge with both Niko Kovac and Thomas Tuchel hoping to see some sparks from their respective sides.

The end result doesn’t mean too much going into the new season but both managers will be able to find certain positives in today’s match.

Here are the five things we learnt from the game today.

Winning start for Kovac

This fixture was the first game in charge for Bayern manager Niko Kovac who saw his side fail to impress in the first half but come back stronger in the second as they fought their way to a 3-1 victory against a fairly inexperienced French side.

Kovac – who signed a three-year-deal at the German champions back in June – fielded an arguably stronger line-up which consisted of the likes of Javi Martínez, Rafinha, Sandro Wagner, Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben.

The former Croatia international had his side set out in a 4-3-3 formation which should have seen the two wingers supported by Bayern’s midfield as they attacked Tuchel’s side but Bayern lacked any real consistency in the opening 45 minutes of Kovac’s first game in charge of the club.

Kovac showed his ability to adapt and inspire as Bayern stepped out for the second half like a different side, with their play more fluent, direct, and dangerous, ultimately leading to Bayern to overturn a 1-0 deficit to win the match 3-1.

With weeks left until the start of the domestic campaign, Kovac will be hoping that he can install some more steel and determination into his new side. With many first-team players absent from today’s match, it’s hard to judge how Kovac will set up by this match.

The one thing it did showcase was the influence Kovac can have on his squad and the attitude from his squad to turn their fortunes around from a losing position.

Combined age of 69 but still as energetic as ever

A match which felt more like a youth game at times, both Bayern veterans Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery started from the off for the German side.

Although Bayern’s overall play lacked any real bite, any opportunity was likely to be created by one of the two experienced pros who were leading by example.

Despite being a friendly, both players applied regular pressure on the PSG midfield as they looked to regain possession and as soon as they had the ball, both players (particular Robben), looked to push forward at the earliest convenience.

Neither are likely to keep their place in the side this season as regulars with younger players making their way through to the starting eleven.

However, their experience, influence and undeniable skill is still there to be seen and they may still have a say on important matters as the season progresses.

Buffon off to a bad start at PSG

Buffon started this match for his new club as the most experienced player by far in the starting eleven, with Tuchel’s side averaging the age of just 20 years.

His debut last Sunday saw him ship in four goals culminating in a nightmare start at the club for the most capped Italian international of all-time.

The 40-year-old spent 17-years in Italy with Juventus but he couldn’t do anything to ensure the French champions kept a clean sheet for the first time under his guidance.

Buffon got down low to make a good save to his right after 12 minutes to keep the scores at 0-0, showing the agility of a man much younger. Bayern offered more going forward into the second half before Buffon was finally beaten with a header from Javi Martinez to deny him his first clean sheet in PSG colours.

The ‘keeper was substituted in the 60th minute to rousing applause but the experienced shot-stopper will be disappointed not to keep the ball out of the back of the net this afternoon.

Despite the competition of fellow PSG goalkeepers Alphonse Areola and Kevin Trapp, the Italian is likely to be the first-choice goalkeeper at Parc des Princes this season in what is possibly his last season in professional football.

However, he will want to improve on his record to date, conceding five goals in two games so far for PSG.

Swansea slacker proves set-piece quality

After he signed on-loan at the Swans last season, everyone in the Premier League was excited to see promising midfielder Renato Sanches develop into the majestic playmaker expected.

As the Swans declined and ultimately departed the Premier League, Sanches’ lack of form epitomised the sense of empty optimism at the Liberty Stadium last campaign.

Now back with Bayern, Sanches played fairly well before getting his chance from a setpiece to stand out in this friendly match.

19 yards out but at a difficult angle, Sanches fired a free-kick past substitute ‘keeper Rémy Descamps to put Bayern in the lead.

If Sanches can show this undoubted quality that convinced Bayern to sign him from Benfica two years ago, there is no limit on how far the talented midfielder can progress this season.

Strength in depth for both sides as youth players impress

With PSG’s big-name front-three absent from the starting line-up, it was an opportunity for some of the younger players to impress as they strive to make their mark at the club this season.

Timothy Weah impressed and scored a fantastic goal for PSG to put them in front midway through the first half.

A well-weighted through-ball allowed Weah to get on the right side of his marker and run through on goal. The American kept his composure and expertly placed the ball past Bayern ‘keeper Sven Ulreich to put the French side 1-0 up.

Promising playmaker Christopher Nkunku also impressed as he continuously took control of the ball and attempted to usher his team forward with his direct play. The 20-year-old showed that he has a lot of potential, while also proving that he isn’t afraid to take a shot on goal every now and again, although the youngster should have buried at least one of his many chances this afternoon.

Bayern forward Joshua Zirkzee was able to get his name on the scoresheet after finishing from close range from a Serge Gnabry to further establish the talents emerging from these two squads.

The post Five things learned as Bayern beat PSG in Kovac’s first game in charge appeared first on Squawka News.



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