Why a 3 atb formation could be a good backup lineup for Bayern.

[A THREAD]

Likes and RTs appreciated.

So the classic 4-2-3-1 formation which Hansi uses is tried and tested, however is prone to errors because of the high line and due to individual errors of our defenders. The high line that Hansi utilizes for rigorous pressing can be exploited.

Hansi has reduced as to how far up the defence now is, giving good results as of late [Bielefeld is an exception down to individual mistakes].

However, if we remember the Athletico game at Wanda Metropolitano, we utilized a lopsided 3 atb formation.

It's fair to say that it worked barring a single goal because of inexperience at tracking back, but it clearly shows that it could improve certain aspects of the game such as energy conservation, pressing efficiency, an overloaded midfield giving lesser space to opponents, etc.

Of course, this is nowhere close to being the finished product that is desired, but that may have been a good lineup if we played our regular starters (who were rested).
I realized that we had a choice of lineups if we have injured personnel;

because the idea of flexible tactics is important to preserve players and prevent injuries. Nagelsmann has this flexibility that I envy, and would like for Hansi to experiment as well.

A 3 atb has an overloaded midfield, reducing the spaces around the opposition playmaker, constricting the chance formation and improving the backline by giving the added CB as backup.

The lineup that I envision would be:

Note that I chose Sane at RWB because of his speed and the tracking back that I've seen him do, while Coman/Gnabry could be the inside forward of sorts.

This forms a 3-4-2-1 of sorts with being a 3-3-4 in the attacking transition (Goretzka moves up to form a 3rd man run, while Coman/Sane/Gnabry occupy the wing position, with Lewy as the ST and Muller doing his Raumdeuter space creation) and 5-4-1 in the defensive transition.

Not only does this enforce defensive solidity with the backup CB and the libero/sweeper in Upamecano, but it also limits chance creation because the opposition midfield is paralyzed due to the sheer number of players in our midfield, making it difficult to penetrate.

Now, for the defensive line, I've taken Lucas at LCB, Upa as the sweeper, Nianzou as the RCB (which Pavard or Sule could fulfill) [I've considered Ala-Boa to have left as this is imo for the future] and all 3 are highly rated CBs.

Mistakes would be eliminated because of the 1 extra CB.

Neuer is at GK, sweeping as usual.

Now, considering that the midfield is overloaded, the major pressing to be done is left with Muller and Lewy only, who are more than capable to press vigorously.

Midfield press: The sheer dearth of players makes for even a less intense press to be highly effective. If somehow the midfield is penetrated, the sweeper CB takes care of it.

Attack: A strong point for Bayern, I'm pretty sure that the attack would be quick and relentless as usual, with Kimmich creating in the middle and Muller creating space, Davies and Sane bludgeoning through the wide flanks and Lewy attacking intelligently or attracting defences.

I think that the attack would not change.

While many dismiss the idea of a 3/5 atb formation and call it "Terrorism football," I feel that if used to attack and press in the same intensity, the 3 atb gives better defensive solidity, reduces the need to press as intensively

and helps in preventing the midfield creativity of other teams.

I hope that Hansi experiments with the lineup more as that would help prevent fatigue and injuries, a problem that Liverpool currently face, and we are "Injury FC" so it's bound to happen to us as well.

As for how high we stay in the pitch, I'd say that it does not matter, because the midfield would anyways suffocate the opposition midfield and the defense would have a libero + we have the sweeper keeper.

Thanks for reading, likes and RTs appreciated lots.

This is the first thread that I have created on this account and this is a tactical thread, hope I haven't made errors and if any errors or if you have serious doubts about this tactic, please do interact with the tweet.