- Jurgen Klopp watched Bayern Munich’s 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Arsenal from the stands at the Allianz Arena and questioned Bayern’s defensive organisation
- Harry Kane influenced the match from several zones, setting up a Serge Gnabry chance in the 20′ and Alphonso Davies’s equaliser in the 35th minute before winning and scoring a penalty
- Klopp also addressed Germany’s position on Nicolo Tresoldi, Niclas Fullkrug and his wider scouting work, stressing that the DFB will not chase players for international commitment
Klopp Uses Allianz Arena Visit for Tactical and Selection Assessment
Germany national team coach Jurgen Klopp had plenty to assess during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. The former Liverpool manager was at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night for a high-profile scouting mission, but his attention extended beyond individual German prospects to Bayern’s structure without possession.
During a half-time interview with DAZN, Klopp openly questioned Bayern’s defensive approach under Vincent Kompany, saying he had “still not entirely understood what Bayern is doing against the ball.” His comments focused on the apparent lack of clarity in Bayern’s pressing and defensive reference points, particularly when Arsenal’s rotations pulled players out of shape.
• Jürgen Klopp said at half-time that he doesn’t fully understand it, and wondered why Harry Kane is so deep when pressing?
Kompany: "I won’t say anything about that. Next question" https://t.co/RRQjAST9mo
— Bayern Echo (@BayrnEcho) October 21, 2026
“To this day, I still haven’t fully understood what Bayern do without the ball. But I simply want to keep learning,” said Klopp: “Sometimes it’s hybrid, then man-to-man, then not man-to-man. I’m still learning.”
Klopp observed that Bayern’s counter-pressing and mid-block phases looked heavily disorganised at times, leaving them vulnerable when Arsenal circulated players into different areas. He was also struck by Harry Kane’s positioning, noting that the striker was “everywhere” during the match.
“With the ball, I think that’s fine, but without it?”
Kane was even seen dropping into his own penalty area, which left Klopp uncertain about how Bayern wanted to use him when defending.
“I’m not the pope of football. Everyone can do whatever they want. But I still haven’t fully figured it out either.”
Kane’s Deep Passing and Penalty Impact Shape Bayern’s Night
While Klopp questioned aspects of Bayern’s off-ball plan, Kane still had a major influence in possession. Against Arsenal, he created a big opportunity for Serge Gnabry in the 20′ and then supplied the pass for Alphonso Davies’ equaliser in the 35th minute, both coming from deeper areas of the pitch.
Later, Kane returned to his more familiar role as a No. 9, won a penalty and converted it himself to put Bayern 2-1 ahead. Coverage of the match also pointed readers towards the full statistical breakdown from Bayern’s draw with Arsenal.
After the game, Kane responded to Klopp’s remarks and acknowledged that Arsenal’s tactical movements had caused Bayern confusion. He admitted the team spent too long pinned into a low block, particularly during the final 15 minutes before Declan Rice’s equaliser, and accepted that Bayern need to improve how they identify the correct triggers for the press.
Kompany Backs Kane’s Freedom
Kompany defended Kane’s roaming role and highlighted the striker’s intelligence in deciding when and where to arrive in attacking areas. The Bayern coach also referred to his experience of facing Kane as an opponent.
“What Harry does very well – I’ve defended against him many times: Sometimes he’s there and sometimes he isn’t, but he gets there in the end, that’s for sure,” Vincent Kompany explained when discussing the role of the leading Ballon d’Or contender. “He’s everywhere and a player who makes the right decisions an incredible number of times.”
Tresoldi Decision Remains Open as Germany and Italy Monitor Striker
Klopp’s trip to Munich also came amid scrutiny over Germany’s international recruitment, with Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi at the centre of a developing Germany-Italy tug-of-war. The 20-year-old striker remains eligible for both nations and has already stood out for Germany’s Under-21 side.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Klopp confirmed that Germany have held formal discussions with Tresoldi, while Italy, through Roberto Mancini, have also been involved. However, Klopp made clear that the DFB will not beg players to choose Germany.
“We watch everything. We watch in Bruges, we watch in Bremen. We have spoken with Tresoldi — as has Mancini. This is not just aimed at Tresoldi: we don’t have to chase after anyone. The boy has to make the decision at the moment when he can make it. Nico is a great boy who has undergone super development and also still has a lot of potential,” Klopp explained.
Tresoldi has recently indicated that he will delay a final decision on his senior international allegiance until after the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, keeping his focus on the upcoming tournament cycle. Mancini is monitoring the situation closely and is keen to convince the Sardinia-born forward to commit to the Azzurri.
The situation has therefore become a contest between Tresoldi’s country of birth and the nation where he has developed his professional career, with Italian officials hoping that his Mediterranean roots prove decisive.
Fullkrug’s Form Keeps Him in Germany Conversation
Klopp also addressed the short-term value of Niclas Fullkrug, who has returned to Bremen on loan from West Ham United and started the campaign in strong scoring form. Although Tresoldi is viewed as a player for the future, Fullkrug’s output has pushed him back into national team discussion.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker has scored seven goals in his first seven competitive appearances this season, reinforcing his status as one of Germany’s most dependable penalty-box finishers. Klopp, though, also noted the need to consider long-term squad planning.
“Niclas Fullkrug scores one goal after another in the Bundesliga, but he is 33. That is not my fault. Long-term we have to see if that works. It works, but I am primarily happy that Niclas is back and scoring,” Klopp noted.
Who Klopp Was Watching
Klopp’s Allianz Arena visit was not limited to the forward debate. The Bayern-Arsenal match offered him an elite Champions League setting in which to study several established and emerging DFB players before the next international break. Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Kai Havertz and the highly-rated Tom Bischof were all being observed as Klopp continues to refine Germany’s tactical direction.
