For some time, Thomas Tuchel had Pep Guardiola sussed.
Chelsea beat Manchester City thrice on the trot in 2020-21, completely destroying their dream of a Quadruple.
First within the FA Cup. Then within the Premier League. Then within the Champions League ultimate, on that fateful night time in Porto when Guardiola did not use neither Rodri nor Fernandinho.
Instead he used Ilkay Gundogan in defensive midfield and Kevin De Bruyne as a false 9. That muddled sport plan solely added to the practice of thought that Guardiola can overthink these events.
Tuchel walked into Chelsea and denied City their first Champions League trophy. Bayern Munich hope that may occur for them if Tuchel proves to be Guardiola’s kryptonite but once more on this conflict of two stellar teaching minds.
Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City within the Champions League quarter ultimate
Chris Sutton is backing Man City to simply edge the German champions within the tie
New gameplan wanted for Bayern
Bayern are used to dominating the Bundesliga. They rating probably the most targets, take probably the most pictures, play probably the most passes, hold extra possession than anybody else in Germany.
Yet they might be naive to assume that may come simply to them tonight. When Bayern beat Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League’s spherical of 16, they did not concede a aim over two video games they usually had solely 45 per cent possession within the second leg.
Their persistence paid dividends. Bayern are a group filled with tempo, from Alphonso Davies to Kingsley Coman to Serge Gnabry to Sadio Mane. I count on Tuchel will set them as much as comprise and counter on this first leg on the Etihad Stadium.
Do not overlook it took one snappy cross from Mason Mount for Kai Havertz to attain Chelsea’s profitable aim towards City within the 2021 Champions League ultimate. Bayern, with their runners breaking behind, can exploit any house they’re afforded.
Joao Cancelo could also be given an opportunity to play for Bayern towards his father or mother membership
His battle with in-form Cityzens winger Jack Grealish may very well be a vital one
Revenge for Cancelo
When City despatched Joao Cancelo on mortgage to Bayern, I used to be amongst these considering, ‘Blimey, why have they let a participant of his calibre depart?’ It felt like Guardiola was chopping off his nostril to spite his face.
Cancelo is now free to face his father or mother membership. While he’ll nonetheless have respect for City, it is part of sport the place a participant needs to place one over on an previous supervisor. Cancelo will need to present why Guardiola was improper to ship him packing to Germany.
Bayern have choices throughout their again line but when Cancelo begins at proper again, his dealing with of the ever-improving Jack Grealish will likely be key tonight. He’ll know his sport in and out in any case of their coaching classes collectively.
Prediction: 2-1 to Man City
