“Who will replace Harry Kane upfront?” — a question on the lips of most Bayern Munich fans following Harry Kane’s thigh injury and coming into The record champions DFB-Pokal clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
While Bayern has a number of options who can be deployed in the number nine position, such as Mathys Tel, Thomas Müller or even Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise appeared to be Vincent Kompany’s best solution to the vacancy upfront.
“Michael has played the false 9 before. Jamal can play there too,” the Belgian coach explained prior to Tuesday’s match (as captured by@iMiaSanMia).
It would be easy to criticise any striker in a game that sees their team score no goals, however, Manuel Neuer’s 17th minute red card put Bayern on the back foot and certainly hindered Olise’s chances of scoring.
It is curious that Kompany mentioned Musiala’s name ahead of the likes of Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry, who have both seen more minutes at striker in their careers. But both players found themselves on the bench to start.
It’s doubtful, though, that playing anyone else upfront would have made any significant impact in a disappointing result that sees Bayern take yet another early tumble out the DFB-Pokal.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s shocking 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal? Then you came to the right place. Check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on Patreon, Spotify or below:
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