Bayern Munich's dilemma with Pavlovic: Who is the midfield partner for Kimmich?
Bayern Munich Shuffle Midfield Amid Injuries and Transfers
Bayern Munich are adjusting their midfield options following the injury of Aleksandar Pavlovic and the loan of João Palhinha to Tottenham Hotspur.
Without Pavlovic, who is expected to be fully training again in three to four weeks after a fractured eye socket injury, Bayern's defensive/central midfield options center mainly around Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and new signing Tom Bischof. Goretzka, with his experience, is likely to start, while Bischof competes for playing time alongside Kimmich.
For the attacking midfield role, usually filled by injured Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry appears as the frontrunner, with Michael Olise as a possible alternative in a central role. This suggests Bayern rely on their experienced core midfielders plus the young prospect Bischof, while adjusting attacking midfield duties to Gnabry or Olise in Pavlovic’s and Musiala’s absence.
Kimmich, who is 30 years old, also plays in that position for the national team. The national team coach has also announced plans for Kimmich to play in the holding midfield position for the national team. Kimmich, who has expressed a preference for the holding midfield position a few years ago, is flexible and versatile, seeing it as a strength that has opened many doors for him.
Meanwhile, a new signing, Palhinha, has joined Tottenham. The loan of Palhinha to Tottenham is not directly related to the injury of Pavlovic or the midfield shuffle at Bayern.
Leon Goretzka is the more experienced alternative to Tom Bischof for the midfield position. Both Goretzka and Bischof are the two options for coach Vincent Kompany to play alongside Joshua Kimmich in midfield. Nagelsmann recently announced his plans for Kimmich's role in the team before making it public.
Nagelsmann believes that with Kimmich in front of the defense, they have better chances of a successful World Cup 2026. Kimmich revealed that Nagelsmann informed him about the tactical change before it was made public.
In a positive note, Bischof impressed in his Arena debut against Olympique Lyon with good pressing and clever passing.
In light of the injury to Aleksandar Pavlovic and the loan of João Palhinha, Bayern Munich are alternating their midfield, with Goretzka, Kimmich, and Tom Bischof being the primary defensive/central midfield options. For the attacking midfield role, Gnabry and Michael Olise are being considered as Bayern rely on their experienced core midfielders plus the young prospect Bischof, while adjusting the attacking midfield duties in the absence of Musiala and Pavlovic.
