fmcalciomaestro
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Hi guys
this is my emulation of Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich. I tested the tactic with Bayern and won the treble.
Tactical Analysis of Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich
Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich was a war machine, a perfect example of modern football that combined physicality with tactical intelligence. Their playing philosophy was based on possession control, precise build-up from the back, and a constant search for width. A distinctive element was their ability to quickly verticalize with just a few passes, turning every attacking transition into a goal-scoring opportunity.
Key Principles and Formations
The team's base formation was a 4-2-3-1, but it underwent dynamic transformations depending on the phase of play. In possession, it evolved into a 3-4-3 or 3-2-5, while in the defensive phase, it reorganized into a compact 4-4-2.
Bayern excelled at converting defense into lightning-fast attacks, a strategy nicknamed "the red wave." As soon as they won the ball back in their own half, players would launch a counterattack with a series of quick vertical passes. Another option was a long ball from Neuer to Lewandowski, especially after an opponent's corner kick.
Finishing was primarily entrusted to Lewandowski, who did more than just score. His movements pulled one or two defenders out of the central zone, creating space for the runs of Müller, Musiala, and Goretzka. The wide players, such as Gnabry, Sané, and Coman, would attack the box after beating their opponent one-on-one, looking to either shoot or cross to the Polish striker.
Possession Phase: Fluidity and Creativity
Nagelsmann's Bayern loved to build play on the ground, starting from the back. The two center-backs, guided by Neuer, were tasked with setting the tempo, looking to either play a vertical pass to an open midfielder or spread the play out to the full-backs. However, due to some technical shortcomings, this approach could expose them to errors and counterattacks.
A key aspect was the asymmetrical nature of the full-backs. Stanišić stayed deeper to provide stability, while Davies pushed high to the attacking midfield line, forcing Musiala to move centrally to form a four-man attacking line.
In midfield, Kimmich was the pivot, the playmaker who distributed the ball to the wide players (Gnabry and Davies) or the central attacking midfield duo (Müller and Musiala). While preferring short passes, Kimmich was also skilled at using long balls to bypass the opponent's defensive lines, leveraging Lewandowski's aerial ability.
The Defensive Phase and Ball Recovery
Aggression was a defining characteristic. The team applied a high press from the opponent's half, with Lewandowski and Müller closing down the goalkeeper and center-backs to prevent them from building play out from the back.
When the ball reached midfield, Bayern reorganized into a 4-4-2, with the attacking wide players (Musiala and Gnabry) dropping back to the midfield line to support Kimmich and Goretzka. In this phase, Stanišić and Davies would drop into the defensive line, leaving only Müller and Lewandowski up front.
If the opponent managed to advance, Bayern would retreat to the edge of their own box, creating a dense central area and closing off all space for vertical passes. On the wings, the forwards would double-mark the opponent's full-backs, helping Davies and Stanišić prevent crosses into the box.
The defensive transition was orchestrated by Kimmich and Goretzka, who acted as a screen in front of the defense. They created numerical superiority around the ball carrier, moving to close off central spaces while the wide players covered the flanks. Every player was tasked with man-marking an opponent to ensure no one was left free.
How to create it in FM 24
You can watch how to create it in my youtube video here
Please subscribe to my channel and smash the like button, thanks
If you want to support my work please subscribe to my patreon here
Thanks
this is my emulation of Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich. I tested the tactic with Bayern and won the treble.
Tactical Analysis of Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich
Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich was a war machine, a perfect example of modern football that combined physicality with tactical intelligence. Their playing philosophy was based on possession control, precise build-up from the back, and a constant search for width. A distinctive element was their ability to quickly verticalize with just a few passes, turning every attacking transition into a goal-scoring opportunity.
Key Principles and Formations
The team's base formation was a 4-2-3-1, but it underwent dynamic transformations depending on the phase of play. In possession, it evolved into a 3-4-3 or 3-2-5, while in the defensive phase, it reorganized into a compact 4-4-2.
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defense: A back four with Upamecano and Süle/Hernández centrally, flanked by full-backs Davies and Stanišić/Pavard.
- Midfield: The heart of the team was the pairing of Kimmich/Tolisso and Goretzka/Sabitzer.
- Attacking Midfield: A quality trio with Gnabry on the right, Müller/Musiala in the center, and Sané/Coman on the left.
- Attack: The focal point was Lewandowski, supported by Choupo-Moting.
Bayern excelled at converting defense into lightning-fast attacks, a strategy nicknamed "the red wave." As soon as they won the ball back in their own half, players would launch a counterattack with a series of quick vertical passes. Another option was a long ball from Neuer to Lewandowski, especially after an opponent's corner kick.
Finishing was primarily entrusted to Lewandowski, who did more than just score. His movements pulled one or two defenders out of the central zone, creating space for the runs of Müller, Musiala, and Goretzka. The wide players, such as Gnabry, Sané, and Coman, would attack the box after beating their opponent one-on-one, looking to either shoot or cross to the Polish striker.
Possession Phase: Fluidity and Creativity
Nagelsmann's Bayern loved to build play on the ground, starting from the back. The two center-backs, guided by Neuer, were tasked with setting the tempo, looking to either play a vertical pass to an open midfielder or spread the play out to the full-backs. However, due to some technical shortcomings, this approach could expose them to errors and counterattacks.
A key aspect was the asymmetrical nature of the full-backs. Stanišić stayed deeper to provide stability, while Davies pushed high to the attacking midfield line, forcing Musiala to move centrally to form a four-man attacking line.
In midfield, Kimmich was the pivot, the playmaker who distributed the ball to the wide players (Gnabry and Davies) or the central attacking midfield duo (Müller and Musiala). While preferring short passes, Kimmich was also skilled at using long balls to bypass the opponent's defensive lines, leveraging Lewandowski's aerial ability.
The Defensive Phase and Ball Recovery
Aggression was a defining characteristic. The team applied a high press from the opponent's half, with Lewandowski and Müller closing down the goalkeeper and center-backs to prevent them from building play out from the back.
When the ball reached midfield, Bayern reorganized into a 4-4-2, with the attacking wide players (Musiala and Gnabry) dropping back to the midfield line to support Kimmich and Goretzka. In this phase, Stanišić and Davies would drop into the defensive line, leaving only Müller and Lewandowski up front.
If the opponent managed to advance, Bayern would retreat to the edge of their own box, creating a dense central area and closing off all space for vertical passes. On the wings, the forwards would double-mark the opponent's full-backs, helping Davies and Stanišić prevent crosses into the box.
The defensive transition was orchestrated by Kimmich and Goretzka, who acted as a screen in front of the defense. They created numerical superiority around the ball carrier, moving to close off central spaces while the wide players covered the flanks. Every player was tasked with man-marking an opponent to ensure no one was left free.
How to create it in FM 24
You can watch how to create it in my youtube video here
Please subscribe to my channel and smash the like button, thanks
If you want to support my work please subscribe to my patreon here
Thanks
