A battle of giants: Bayern lock eyes on Paris Saint-German
Berlin, Aug 22 (efe-epa).- Bayern Munich is banking on its well-oiled attacking system to clinch the their fifth Uefa Champions League trophy on Sunday but they are to face off with a Paris Saint-German that, although represented by stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, are discovering a collectivity beyond being a loose group of individual talents.
PSG manager Thomas Tuchel, on the topic of Neymar and Mbappé, recently said: “They’re not only talking, they’re delivering.”
The pair have shone brilliantly so far in the final stages of the Champions League in Lisbon, rising to the challenge with clinical and skilful attacking, linking up with veteran Ángel Di María.
Bayern’s tendency to press, with their defensive line high and their wing-backs focused on attack could prove to be a risky strategy when up against the combined speed of Neymar and Mpappé.
Head coach Hansi Flick is still unlikely to make many changes going into the final, however.
Tactically, Flick tends towards the same set-up in his games. One potential change could see a recently recovered Benjamin Pavard return to the field, freeing up Joshua Kimmich to move back to the middle, where he can boost stability.
Flick’s preferred formation had been Pavard straight-back with Kimmich as center-half until the Frenchman was injured before the tournament moved to Portugal.
Despite his absence, Flick’s side has managed to totally dominate the competition.
One uncertainty for the German side is the availability of Jerome Boateng, who had to be subbed off against Lyon with muscle complaints.
Since a last-minute win against Atalanta, PSG’s have boosted the leadership status of Neymar, encapsulated by his passing, dribbling and his hunger to dominate the pitch despite not having bagged a goal yet in Lisbon.
