Bayern Munich seeking ideal formation against Hamburg
Manager Pep Guardiola is searching for his ideal system after a strong midweek performance
Bayern Munich travel to a Hamburg side under new management still finding their way after changing tactics midway through their Champions League win over Manchester City.
Munich boss Pep Guardiola switched from a 3-4-1-2 system to a 4-1-2-3 in the middle of their victory over City, and the moved paid off as Bayern played one of their strongest matches of the season, culminating in Jerome Boateng's 90th-minute winner.
"We presented ourselves as a unit," said sports director Matthias Sammer.
We had problems controlling the ball, that's why we changed
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "That was the best match we have played so far this season."
Guardiola would not reveal what system he would use against Hamburg. "We had problems controlling the ball, that's why we changed from a three-man backline to a four-man one," said Guardiola.
Missing from the City game was Franck Ribery, who will sit out the Hamburg contest as well.
"I don't know how long I will miss," said the Frenchman, who is dealing with a knee issue.