Julian Nagelsmann uses a 1-4-2-3-1 system flexibly adapting the tactics to the skills of his players, which can be seen very clearly especially in the wide play, which is the main driving force of the German team and where Bayern has a large selection of players with different characteristics.
Despite the key role of the wings the team is concentrated around a strong centre and only uses its wingers (Mane, Sane, Gnabry, Coman, Mueller) in the offensive third where their mobility, freedom and open spaces seeking make them extremely difficult to stop. Switching positions and unpredictable running paths into the box not only create space for other players coming in from deep (Goretzka, Kimmich, Davies) but allow the team to choose a different strategy for progressive play each time.
Regardless Nagelsmann tries to focus creative play in the half-spaces using intensive running and short playmaking variants with the finale of direct progressive pass to the forwards (Chupo-Moting, Mueller, Musiala) able to break free from the rival defenders.
After losing the ball Bayern sets up in a high block usually in a 3+1 shape from the top with two threes operating behind the first line of pressure, but does not try to win the ball immediately, rather trying to close down the rivals’ ability to launch a fast counter-attack. Only after losing ground does the team retreat deeper adopting a more classic 1-4-5-1 shape and closing down wide spaces with the intention of letting their rivals inside, where they press high and aggressively.