Analysis: Hansi Flick, the tactical template of the new Bayern boss

The tactician has been a revelation for the Bavarians since he took charge at the club.

Hansi Flick has already established himself as a bona fide winning machine in the Bundesliga and he proved his mettle from day one. He could barely have dreamt of a better way to mark his first game coaching FC Bayern München in the Bundesliga, as his team dismantled title rivals Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in Der Klassiker, but how did he get the win?

In a match where Robert Lewandowski scored his 15th and 16th league goals of the season and extended his sensational scoring streak to 11 games in a row, the Bavarians certainly look rejuvenated.

Winning the tactical battle while playing some brilliant football on both sides of the ball, Hansi Flick, understandably, cut a delighted figure after the match. "I'm very happy because we did exactly what we had to do. We played the football that fans here are used to and want to see," he said.

Flexible formations

Deploying his team in what was ostensibly a 4-3-3 that also took on variants of a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1 depending on the positioning of Thomas Müller and Leon Goretzka, Bayern constantly found ways to undo their opposition.

To start with, the complementary movement of Bayern's frontline was a joy to watch, as they constantly asked questions of Dortmund's backline and opened up space. Executing their runs in behind to perfection, the Bayern attackers targeted the gaps in Dortmund's rearguard superbly. The way they exploited the blindside of markers also warranted mention, as this gave them a dynamic advantage over their awkwardly oriented adversaries.

Key to Bayern's success bursting in behind was how they'd generate space for each other by strategically drawing or pinning one or more markers, such that openings arose. The best examples of this occurred when Bayern switched the play to find a free winger on the far side, as the infield run of a fellow attacker would draw the opposition fullback inside to produce space.

This principle of occupying the attention of one or more defenders also ensured Goretzka could surge forward from midfield to pose an additional threat. Bayern's second goal was testament to their work here, with Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry pinning four Dortmund defenders to unleash Müller down the left and culminated in Gnabry scoring.

The fact the Reds' front four of Lewandowski, Coman, Gnabry and Müller regularly rotated positions further compounded Dortmund's issues. In doing so, they didn't allow the away side to settle into a rhythm, with Bayern persistently altering their reference points. This sewed doubt as to who should mark whom, with Hansi Flick and Bayern poised to take advantage of any indecision.

All-out attack

Another contributing factor to Bayern's effectiveness was how they almost always had at least four and sometimes five players attacking the box to give their teammates options with their deliveries into the box. Unbalancing their opponents and causing marking dilemmas due to their presence and coordinated movement, Bayern's first, third and fourth goals highlighted the success of this tactic.

There were also many positive signs in Bayern's build up play, with the Bavarians doing a neat job of beating the Dortmund press to progress through the thirds. With Joshua Kimmich typically dropping deep to help form a 3v2 against Dortmund's front two with central defenders David Alaba and Javi Martinez, this foundation served them well.

Müller's impact proved crucial too, as his intelligent movement helped to connect play, outnumber Dortmund in the midfield, open passing lanes and support wide attacks.

Dominating the contest and dictating play, the Reds enjoyed 62 percent of possession, in a match where they worked together as a collective to frequently break down their opponents.

Under pressure

As well as winning many duels all over the pitch, Bayern's pressing was an integral element of their defensive efforts. By timing and directing their harrying intelligently, cutting off their adversaries’ options, Hansi Flick and the Bayern Munich side did a fantastic job of forcing Dortmund into sloppy turnovers, low percentage long balls or into predictable passes that they could then intercept swiftly.

Full of aggression and intensity, the fact Bayern only allowed Lucien Favre's team 8.8 passes per defensive action and restricted Dortmund to just two shots (zero on target), demonstrated the effectiveness of their pressing. It also served as a handy chance creator that allowed the hosts to recover possession high up to attack against an unset backline.

Further reason for positivity was their ability to counterpress doggedly, win second balls, surge forward on some superb counter attacks, and also the way their attackers' movement often opened up passing lanes.

Hansi Flick won his first two matches in charge while keeping two clean sheets, scoring six goals and not conceding a single shot on target. It clearly impressed club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who said after the match: "We're satisfied with the way we presented ourselves today. You could see the spectators, who had a ton of fun at the game and deservedly gave the team a standing ovation on their way to the locker room."

Flick’s convincing performance in the lead up to the coronavirus break was enough for him to secure the coaching post on afull-time basis. Having vanquished Dortmund in Der Klassiker, he has since gone on to accrue 14 wins from 17 Bundesliga games as head coach, a Bundesliga-record win ratio of 82 per cent. If his troops can maintain their tactical discipline on Tuesday night, that percentage will creep even higher.