How Bayern can Cope Without Martinez.

It's a bodyblow. Yeah, he's not Neuer or Lewandowski or World Cup hero Gotze. But as far as importance to a system? This is THE mother of all losses. This was the very glue Heynckes bought that brought ALL trophies back to the roosting cabin for Bayern. But HH gives a Pep-talk in how to handle this injury and cope with the effects.

Without a doubt, Bayern have to play differently. The way in which they attack has to be smarter, because if they lose the ball in the wrong spot, they are SCREWED. The first thing to avoid is the counter. To do this, the players will have to work harder with a greater midfield presence and workrate.

The beauty of Lewandowski is that he can hustle on his own upfront. He can score with both feet, head and has good upper-body strength. And he can create his own chances. So that means Bayern can focus more on sorting out the hard graft of midfield work.

I'm going by worst case scenario. Which means, Bayern don't get a replacement and are stuck with a guy who CLAIMS his name is...Rode. So what Bayern would need is for that pressing style from Barcelona to come back. Winning the ball back early, and shutting down the spaces.

Workrate.

That is the key remedy to the Martinez loss. He was the man who prevented counters, and gave Bayern the extra defensive protection that made them hold onto leads. Without him, everyone has to chip in defensively. There needs to be that ring formed around the opposing player to make it IMPOSSIBLE for them to find a pass. This tactic does require effort but also intelligence, the ability to read the game.

As far as Bundesliga goes, Bayern should be okay. They will find it tougher with no Martinez and Kroos, but not something to call Zeus for. But against the better teams in Europe...Pep will need to pull out some magic out of his ass to make Bayern play like mad.

There is of course the Bart Simpson alternative. But as good and versatile a player he is, he's no defensive midfielder. He is naturally a right back, and the best in the world in that position. Against more thugged out attacks, Martinez is more ideal in coping with that than the smaller and shorter Bart Simpson.

Pep, I can't wait for you to show your chops and see what you're made of as a MANAGER who must manage the loss of two vital pieces to your team.

HH

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