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Lost in Translation
MLS All-Stars 2 Bayern Munich 1
The Jekyll and Hyde dynamic of the MLS All-Star game can be tricky to define and prepare for as a result. On the one hand foot, both coaches and teams are under the presumed assumption that the game will be more entertaining than competitive. It’s a reward of sorts for both squads. Tactics will be utilized, but to a suspended degree. And on the other foot, fans want to see their money’s worth. Consequently, this requires efforts of players be exhausted that would simulate a crucial playoff match in some circumstances.
Enter Bayern Munich into Portland, Oregon.
The first team for Bayern Munich did not even begin to take shape on the pitch until very late in the game (~ the 80′). The players from Germany and the Netherland’s World Cup squads flew in special for this event yesterday afternoon. For the most part, it was Bayern’s second team battling the MLS All-Stars (underscore the word “battle”). Things got tense on the field and on the coaching sideline when the best of MLS took some hard challenges on Pep’s Boys (my nickname). It appeared to violate “a gentleman’s agreement” before the match began, particularly in the mind of Pep Guardiola. This led to a refusal of Pep to shake hands with Caleb Porter, along with a stern talking to the officials after the final whistle blew. It should be noted that it’s the middle of the season for MLS and preseason for Bayern Munich.
Who is right and who is wrong?
It depends on what the agreed upon protocol was for getting Bayern Munich to play in this game and what was said before the game began for what the overall tone of the game would be. One thing for certain is that European clubs should be fairly aware now that the MLS All-Star game is less of a celebration of the two sides and more of an opportunity for the best of MLS to showcase its talents and compete against the best clubs and players in the world. It’s a friendly only until the MLS All-Stars have a chance to score a goal or be competitive.
Regardless of whose side you are on (if you are at all), that’s a very ambiguous situation to prepare for in terms of what players you start, tactics you employ and level of intensity you ask of your players for either the full 90 minutes or just 20 minutes here and there.
In a genuine effort to play peacemaker, Jimmy’s Daily Planet has a suggestion to (at least partly) alleviate the tension that was displayed at the end of the game last night: Both coaches and players should be treated to a maple bacon doughnut from the Portland staple VooDoo Doughnut.
This perfectly delicious treat is a winner in any country.
Happy Kickback Thursday!
Tonight will see soccer juggernaut Bayern Munich battle Chivas Guadalajara in Red Bull Arena in New Jersey for a friendly as part of a mini United States tour for the German champions. While several of their key players are MIA after deep runs in Brazil (including World Cup glory for a few), there will undoubtedly be talent on the pitch this evening.
How do I know?
Well, I looked at the roster (which includes superstar in-the-making Julian Green) and because Bayern Munich’s coach is Pep Guardiola. Pep is a tactical maestro. Need proof? Recall that he was the architect of Barcelona’s recent historic run and the fact that he was two victories away in the Champions League from sweeping all titles during his freshman year (2013-2014) in Munich.
Since today is Thursday, it’s time for a throwback to the past. And today’s featured player is Pep Guardiola the player.
He had a pretty decent shot, wouldn’t you say?
By some strike of very good fortune/parents, I will be in Red Bull Arena cheering, “Go Bayern Munich!
Conceivably the Best 2-Nil Lead in Fußball
Important Disclosure: I (and many, many other fans) were unable to watch and/or record the Bayern Munich v. Arsenal game yesterday because it was not featured on Fox Soccer, but rather on Fox Sports 2. This channel, unfortunately, is pay-per-view. It’s one thing for a Bundesliga match to be pay-per-view, but a Champions League clash between two giant clubs when past tournament matches have been shown for free?
Not cool Fox Soccer…not cool.
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A question was asked in “The Relentless Journey of a Champion” regarding whether or not remaining on 4th and even 5th gear would be sustainable and ultimately rewarding for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich squad heading into its Champions League clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium? This game also came after a German Cup match and a Bundesliga match (both solid victories with its top talent) just this past week.
The answer?
Yes.
It appears to be just that simple.
Even without the dynamic services of the injured Franck Ribéry and Xherdan Shaqiri, plus the recovering manager in the middle Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich did not miss a beat as they handled a flurry of dangerous offensive opportunities from the Gunners throughout the first half and then absolutely dominated Arsenal in the second half for a convincing 2-nil victory with stunning goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller (or so I read).
This win was also the first for Pep in Emirates Stadium.
A relieved and joyful check for the Munich manager.
It does need to be stated that there was a shockingly surreal occurrence with two missed penalties by a devastated player from each team in Mesut Özil and David Alaba (a fast right arm and a pesky left post), a red card for the Arsenal goalkeeper minutes before halftime, a few yellow cards and a sidewinder beauty tucked inside the top near post from Bayern’s Toni Kroos.
(Fortunately, somebody posted a free highlight video on YouTube yesterday evening)
What does this all prove?
It’s validation that “Pep’s Boys” (just made that up!) are intelligently and relentlessly preparing, working and reacting the right way in their weekly training sessions and during the all-important games. The team’s that think too much on-and-off the field tend to think a lot after the game about what went wrong.
When you can trust everything you’re doing, that’s one hell of an advantage over any opponent, regardless of the venue. Bayern Munich is playing its brand of fußballing chess and are moving themselves and their opponents with direct force, as well as with a passive aggressive nature that is paying big dividends at the right moments.
Plus, they are quite good at imitating the checkers move of jumping their opponent’s back line with an overwhelming effect when that moment presents itself.
Some could argue that’s a championship advantage.
When Arsenal travels to Allianz Arena in Munich on March 11th for the second leg, expect nothing short of a top-shelf lineup and effort from “Pep’s Boys.”
Anything less wouldn’t qualify as a championship effort.
The Relentless Journey of a Champion
There are multitudinous differences between Major League Soccer (MLS) and the prominent European leagues. Speed, style, talent, history, fan culture and culture in general, scheduling for the season and club priorities, to only name a few. The latter provides a fascinating insight into one of the core distinctions between the soccer/footballing mentality of the best clubs from these two land masses separated by the massive Atlantic Ocean.
Exhibit A: Bayern Munich.
On Tuesday, February 12th, Bayern Munich lined-up against Hamburger SV in a German Cup quarterfinal match. FC Hollywood has been dominant to say the least this season (again) and a victory could have been secured with a bevy of bench players (though all are borderline world-class). But did Pep Guardiola pursue such a lackadaisical strategy? No. Why? Because he’s a championship coach and he doesn’t accept anything less than a championship effort.
The starting lineup for Bayern Munich looked like one a fan or analyst would and should come to expect for a top Bundesliga or Champions League clash. The result? A 5-nil drubbing by Guardiola’s men.
It was a championship statement by a championship team.
Next Wednesday will see Bayern Munich travel to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal for a UEFA Champions League clash. With a weekend Bundesliga match to play a few days prior, the Bavarians should again enter the opening kickoff with a familiar, confident rhythm from all players and coaches.
Time will tell if remaining on 4th and 5th gear will pay off for Guardiola & Co.
Exhibit B: The Columbus Crew (as just one MLS example).
Conversely, the Columbus Crew has, on numerous occasions, chosen to rest a few of its top players for MLS games only. This has, sadly, resulted in unexpected losses in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by a less talented opponent from an inferior American league or by an MLS team they should have defeated.
2012: The Crew 1-2 Dayton Dutch Lions in Columbus Crew Stadium.
For the Crew, it seems like the mindset is that the Open Cup is nice, but it’s not as prestigious as the MLS Cup. And perhaps this is a big problem. Why? Because championship teams want to win championships. All of them. Period. No excuses. If the coach wants to get more players quality time on the pitch, then a more suitable strategy may be to mix them in as substitutes and even starters (1 or 2 in a game here and there) throughout the MLS season. In other words, the team dynamic should not be an A-Team and a B-Team, but rather one team that can rotate players from the bench/reserves without much disruption in the style of play for the individual and team as a whole. This could help alleviate some of the exhaustion during extremely hot summer conditions in Texas or a busy week or two straight of competition without missing much of a beat in quality or achieving positive results.
This post is not an effort to necessarily hail Bayern Munich and Europe and criticize the Columbus Crew and MLS, but to shine a bright light on the reality of how a championship team is built, how it evolves and then how it capitalizes on every opportunity for glory. The Crew won MLS Cup in 2008, but that comprehensive drive for achieving all titles each season seems to be lacking and it seems to be contagious among its fellow MLS teams.
For the media’s part, not all competitions are viewed through the same lens of importance as the MLS Cup. There are some legitimate reasons for that. However, soccer coverage in the United States is still limited. Yes, that’s a disappointing fact, but it’s getting better. Regardless, the MLS season is not just about the MLS Cup. While it is the best title and the crown jewel of the league, it’s not the only title (Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup & CONCACAF Champions League).
There is an intense sense of urgency in Munich right now (as there was last year as well) where any single loss or instances of complacency in motivation or effort is felt, scrutinized and immediately corrected from within.
The best tend to do that.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 