Andrich on Xabi's tactical masterclass against Bayern: "We thought up something to surprise them."
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich offered up some insights into how his head-coach outmaneuvered Bayern München trainer Thomas Tuchel tactically during his post-match interview last night.
There were some subtle hints that Leverkusen trainer Xabi Alonso might be preparing to deploy a surprise set of tactics in last night's massive match-up against German giants FC Bayern München, but the Spanish coach's decision to drop his usual 3-4-3 and forgo the use of a lead striker constituted quite the bold move in a critical fixture. A 4-2-3-1 with Amine Adli working up front ahead of Florian Wirtz certainly caught Bayern off guard.
FCB trainer Thomas Tuchel attempted to furnish his own surprise, yet was clearly outmaneuvered by his counterpart. Tuchel lined his team up in an attempted mirror of Xabi's 3-4-3. Sacha Body and Noussair Mazraoui functioned as wingbacks ahead of a back-three comprised of Dayot Upamecano, Eric Dier, and Min-Jae Kim. Speaking to the Sky microphones last night, B04 midfielder Robert Andrich admitted Bayern delivered the unexpected.
"We were a little surprised by their formation," Andrich said in his post-match interview, "We [nevertheless] thought up something atypical beforehand so that Bayern would be surprised. He [Xabi] thought up the idea on Thursday and we practiced in on Friday. Huge compliments to the team that we were able to adapt so quickly."