Four Observations from Bayern Munich’s nervy 3-2 victory against FC Augsburg

Bayern Munich took to the pitch against FC Augsburg in Sandro Wagner’s debut managerial home game at the WWK Arena. The players entered the pitch through a Roman styled tunnel mimicking gladiators walking out into the arena, and to the near delight of the Augsburg fans almost got the bloodbath they were eagerly awaiting.

Nonetheless, Bayern were able to grit their way through an encounter they really should have won more convincingly.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the ‘Bavarian Derby’.

The Luis Díaz honeymoon phase is over

As all relationships start, the honeymoon phase offers a time of basking in everything good that one’s significant other has to offer in blatant ignorance of any flaw that they could possibly possess. However, once the honeymoon phase ends, you start to understand that a person is inevitably just a person, flaws and all. In regard to Bayern’s new found relationship with Luis Díaz, the honeymoon phase is over.

After making a strong initial impression amongst his teammates and fans alike, Díaz’s flaws are starting to show. And the 28-year-old Colombian’s performance against Augsburg put his largest flaw directly under the spotlight: Luis Díaz’s finishing is dreadful.

Despite scoring a goal, Díaz produced what could easily be regarded as the worst open goal miss of the season so far. On top of that, the winger missed a one-on-one along with two very good chances throughout the rest of the game. Quite frankly, Díaz looked as a steady as a newborn deer in front of goal.

Now, this isn’t writing Luis Díaz off. He is undoubtedly a great player, but Bayern fans should be cautious not to set their expectations for their marquee signing too high becsue he is only human after all.

Bayern’s defence is as shaky as a house of cards in a hurricane

After last season’s, at times, questionable defensive displays, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah was presented as Bayern’s solution to sure up the defence. The defence is anything but sure.

To be fair, the blame cannot be placed entirely on the 29-year-old German centre-back. The team as a whole and coach has a heavy hand to play.

For Vincent Kompany’s defence to work, it requires cohesion from the entire team. However, without the proper communication, a solid unit quickly turns into a melting mess.

The Augsburg game as well as Bayern’s narrow escape in the DFB-Pokal should serve as a word of caution to Kompany for the rest of the season.

Josip Stanišić is Bayern’s most underrated player

It’s difficult to find a player that plays one position well. It’s even more difficult to find a player that plays two positions well. To find a player that plays multiple positions well, extremely rare. Yet, Bayern can consider themselves one of the lucky few with Josip Stanišić.

After Raphaël Guerreiro’s shambolic performance at left-back against SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Stanišić provided a much better example of how the position should be played.

Now, after a collective defensive display that bad, I’m not saying the Croatian international lit the world on fire but certainly did what he does best, put in a professional display in whatever position he is required to.

Stanišić’s ability to deputise across the entire back line makes him an extremely valuable Swiss army knife. An ability that will serve Bayern well across the season, especially given their history with injuries.

Hat’s off to Sandro Wagner

This game was always going to offer a little more fire with Sandro Wagner, the former Bayern striker, at the helm and his press conference ahead of the game was the hint.

Wagner introduced his ‘no bonus games’ philosophy, explaining how some teams come up against Bayern and expect to lose, so any points picked up are considered a bonus. The Augsburg manager was adamant that he would take the game to Bayern, and despite a shaky first half, delivered on his promise.

Augsburg fought back in a game that seemed far gone at half time. On the back of their opening match day victory against SC Freiburg, ‘die Fuggerstädter’ will take nothing but encouragement into their next game against St. Pauli.

While Wagner still has a lot to learn, he is certainly making an impression in his first role as head coach in the Bundesliga.

Amid all of the transfer craziness surrounding Bayern Munich’s work with Chelsea over a loan deal for Nicolas Jackson, there was an actual game to be played — and Bayern Munich was up to the task even if a slow start and a midgame loss of focus might have given Die Fuggerstädter some hope.

Let’s get into Bayern Munich’s 3-2 victory over FC Augsburg on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:

• A look at the starting XI.
• Bayern Munich looked a little tired at the beginning of the match, but woke up.
• A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
• Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.