Former FCB coach Jupp Heynckes (l.) set some lofty standards for Pep Guardiola (r.)
Former FCB coach Jupp Heynckes (l.) set some lofty standards for Pep Guardiola (r.)

Guardiola vs. Heynckes in numbers

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Munich - FC Bayern München head coach Pep Guardiola has overseen an unbeaten start to the 2013/14 Bundesliga campaign, but how does the Catalan compare to predecessor and quadruple-winning strategist Jupp Heynckes?

Talking tactics

With Matchdays 1-4 done and dusted, bundesliga.com paws through those all-important facts and figures...

Guardiola's most obvious change involves formation. Under Heynckes, it was 4-2-3-1; now it's 4-1-4-1. Instead of positioning two holding midfielders in front of the back four, Bayern's new coach favours a solitary No6. The results have been mixed, but Guardiola himself was the first person to admit he is by no means averse to change: "I like this system, but I may have to switch things around in the future."

Still acclimatising to Guardiola's system of choice, Bayern have tasted defeat in the DFL Supercup, have won three and drawn one in the Bundesliga, secured their place in the second round of the DFB Cup and added a maiden UEFA Super Cup crown to the trophy cabinet by way of a penalty over Chelsea FC. You won't see many complaining, but it's not quite the flawless season start enjoyed under Heynckes last term.

Profligate


After Matchday 4 in 2012/13, Bayern were already beginning to flex their muscles atop the Bundesliga pile, with four wins from four setting the trend for things to come. Unlike the current incarnation, Heynckes' FCB had found the net 14 times on the break alone. They also required very little in terms of target practice. On average, the quadruple winners tickled the back of the net every 5.5 shots on goal.

Curiously enough, Guardiola's men are creating an even higher number of chances. They've already fired in 84 shots on goal compared to 71 at the same juncture last season, but have averaged just one goal per ten efforts on target in the process. 15 clear-cut chances have come and gone, with Mario Mandzukic and Co. converting just five. Indeed, no less than nine Bundesliga outfits have fared better than FCB in front of goal this season - a hitherto unheard of statistic in Germany's top flight.

Pass and move


Guardiola's outfit do tip the scale, however, in the ball possession department. On average, they have had the ball at their feet 67 per cent of the time; an eight per cent gain on the previous season. They have also played more passes - 2411 to Heynckes' 2076 - but again their goalmouth inefficiency leaves them trailing behind the quadruple-winning model of yesteryear. Only once have Bayern punctuated an incisive passing move with a goal, compared to eight exclamatory Bundesliga strikes under Heynckes.

The good news is, Bayern are still finding their feet under their new man. That the 42-year-old is in such a luxurious position to start with says it all about the legendary boots he now has to fill - and he knows it. "This title is for him [Heynckes]," said Guardiola modestly after in Prague. "The team were unbelievable. Today I saw why they won everything last season." With Bayern still warming up, there is no reason why they won't follow suit in 2013/14.

Yannick Schmidt/ Christopher Mayer-Lodge