Exploring What Went Wrong for Bayern Munich Against Hoffenheim

After watching them decimate Barcelona 8-2 last season, most of Europe began fearing Bayern Munich. This was the strongest side on the planet, no question about it.

So, when they fell to their first loss in 32 games as Hoffenheim picked up a stunning 4-1 victory on Sunday, it came as somewhat of a surprise. The reigning European champions, who were used to given out thrashings, had themselves been thrashed.

So, what went wrong for Bayern, and how can other teams learn from this result?

1. Fitness Struggles

An obvious first excuse for Bayern would be tiredness. This is a side who were running riot in the Champions League final just over a month ago, and during the period in which they should have been off on pre-season, they have played three competitive games.

That's tough enough, but once you remember that Bayern had to play 120 minutes in the Super Cup triumph over Sevilla on Thursday, it's not hard to see why fitness might have been a little issue.

Make no mistake about it, Bayern had more than just their fitness to worry about, but it was clear that it played a big part in things.

2. Squad Depth Issues

Bayern probably have some of the best squad depth on the planet, but the concern is that some of their secondary players aren't quite good enough to keep the side looking like the immortals we're used to.

That's the case with every team on the planet, but when Bayern have to drop Robert Lewandowski and replace him with young Joshua Zirkzee, they suddenly don't seem as scary.

The inconsistent Corentin Tolisso came in to replace the machine that is Leon Goretzka, which saw Bayern lose some of their ferocity in midfield. They were still a good team, but not the Bayern we've come to know.

3. Sebastian Hoeneß Comes Back to Haunt Bayern

Sebastian Hoeneß isn't the most well-known manager in Germany, but Bayern know everything about him.

Hoeneß, the nephew of former Bayern president Uli, moved to Bayern in 2017 to lead the Under-19 side and was promoted to the reserves for the 2019/20 season, in which he led the team to the league title in Germany's third tier.

He knows Bayern's system and tactics better than most, and that was abundantly clear as he masterminded a way past the dominant juggernauts.

4. Positional Dominance

One thing which Bayern really struggled with was Hoffenheim's determination to keep their opponents out of central areas.

Adopting what looked more like a 5-3-2 formation, Hoffenheim's three central midfielders were tight and compact, forcing Bayern out wide. When they couldn't get the ball into central areas, they had to cross the ball towards Zirkzee, who was swarmed by three centre-backs and the retreating midfielders.

With Hoffenheim so deep, there was no space for Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry to run into, and there was nowhere for Thomas Müller to drift. If this trio didn't go wide, they weren't getting the ball.

Bayern managed just three shots on target, which is wild when you consider just how many goals they usually score.

Hoffenheim's defence were pulled out of position as the game went on, which gave Bayern a few chances in behind, but several sloppy errors from Hansi Flick's forwards ensured Hoffenheim stayed on top.

5. Electric Attacking

Bayern might have been tired out, but the truth is that Hoffenheim ruthlessly picked them apart with real brilliance.

In attack, Hoffenheim took advantage of Bayern's high defensive line, playing with a speed and directness that the Bavarians simply were not ready for.

Hoffenheim's third goal was from a long goal kick, which needed just one flick from Pavel Kadeřábek to get in behind Bayern, but the fourth was a comically perfect example of what went wrong for Bayern.

Substitute Ihlas Bebou picked up the ball and ran at the defence, avoiding three desperate lunges from Joshua Kimmich and Jérôme Boateng before being steamrollered for a penalty. Bayern panicked and did not know what to do.

6. Kryptonite?

Could there have been a mentality issue here?

After all, since the start of the 2016/17 season, Hoffenheim have taken 13 points off Bayern, and no other side has managed more.

It's not like Hoffenheim are immune to Bayern's power. The last time these two sides met, Bayern stormed to a 6-0 victory. However, there's always an awareness that this is a team who aren't scared. Maybe Bayern can't handle that?

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