Thomas Helmer: Everyone knows how to play against Bayern Munich

Everyone knows how to play against Bayern Munich, says Helmer

Jul 11, 2012 4:20:00 PM

The ex-captain of the Bavarian club has called on Jupp Heynckes' men to reinvent themselves ahead of the new season, citing predictable tactics as the team's main problem

Thomas Helmer has hit out at the tactics Bayern Munich employ, and suggests that even the acquisition of world-class players would not make a difference if they do not change their ways on the pitch.

Helmer, who made nearly 200 Bundesliga appearances for Die Roten from 1992 to 1999, criticised Jupp Heynckes' over-reliance on attacking duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, suggesting a one-dimensional attack only plays into the hands of opponents.

"The problem lies with the system that is designed for Robben and Ribery," Helmer revealed to German publication TZ. "It's so static, everyone knows how to play against Bayern."

"I hope to see a lot more flexibility, at least an alternative to the current model. It's clearly not the way forward. Last year we weren't even able to convert it.

"They now have several attackers in [Mario] Gomez and [Claudio] Pizarro. That's a little hint for them.

"The negative experiences of last season were difficult. It will be mentally tough and hard for them to claw their way back, but not impossible at the same time," concluded the former defender.

The Bundesliga side ended the 2011-12 season trophyless after they were edged out domestically in the league and the DFB-Pokal by Borussia Dortmund before losing in the Champions League final to Chelsea on penalties.

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