Leverkusen's Roger Schmidt and Pep Guardiola of Bayern represent two very different but equally intruiging footballing philosophies. - © © imago / foto2press
Leverkusen's Roger Schmidt and Pep Guardiola of Bayern represent two very different but equally intruiging footballing philosophies. - © © imago / foto2press

Master of possession Guardiola faces Schmidt's pressing machine

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Cologne - Matchday 3 sees a real clash of the titans as FC Bayern München welcome Bayer 04 Leverkusen (29 August 18.30 CEST). It’s set to be an captivating affair both on the pitch and on the touchline. Pep Guardiola’s possession-based philosophy goes head-to-head with Roger Schmidt’s pressing machine.

Relentless hunters

If there is one coach that can cause Pep Guardiola a tactical headache, then Leverkusen's Roger Schmidt would be a prime candidate. In four meetings, Schmidt has emerged victorious on two occasions. Leverkusen triumphed 2-0 on Matchday 31 last season and Schmidt also came out on top in pre-season friendly whilst in charge at RB Salzburg.

"I’ve never experienced a team play with such intensity as Salzburg," said Guardiola in the aftermath of Bayern's surprising 3-0 defeat during the 2014 winter break. Guardiola was referring to the aggressive pressing style that Schmidt has also successfully introduced at Leverkusen.

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