Bayern Munich’s defensive issues are being scrutinised now, especially after their amazing start to the season.
In addition to this, Bayern Munich’s defensive issues have caused a seemingly insurmountable 11-point lead in the Bundesliga to melt away to just six within a week.
While it certainly is not a reason to panic just yet, the fact that they have upcoming matches against third-place TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday, February 8 and away to second-place Borussia Dortmund at the end of the month should still make them get away from their false sense of security.
Bayern Munich’s Defensive Issues: Is This Defensive Crisis A Key Reason For Their Bad Run Of Form?
When looking at what changed from the start of the season to now, it is clear that Bayern are conceding more goals than they did early on in the season. Bayern Munich’s defensive issues definitely are a major factor in their struggles of late.
The Bavarians played seven competitive games since the end of the winter break. In that period, they only managed to keep one clean sheet, and that was their Champions League encounter against Belgian title holders Union Saint-Gilloise.
As far as Bundesliga games are concerned, Die Roten conceded twice in each of their last two outings in the league, which in turn caused their first domestic defeat of the season to FC Augsburg, followed by a 2-2 draw to newly-promoted Hamburger SV.
One reason for that, certainly, is the continued rotation in the defensive positions on the field.
In the early part of the season, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany’s rotation was seen as brilliant.
Now that the results are starting to go the wrong way, the same rotation will be looked at critically.
However, that is simply part of the job description for a Bayern head coach. You have to have a thick skin, and you must never allow criticism to get the better of you.
In any case, due to the club’s hope that Jonas Urbig will eventually replace Manuel Neuer in goal, the young backup goalkeeper needs time on the pitch, and he also needs the freedom to make mistakes.
That is one of the many things that Kompany has managed well so far this season. After Urbig had made a costly error in the loss to Augsburg, he was able to redeem himself with a Man of the Match performance against PSV in the UEFA Champions League.
At the same time, when there are many alterations from match to match in goal and in the backline, consistency suffers. Therefore, Bayern Munich’s defensive issues are not too surprising.
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The Upamecano Contract Situation
Another reason for Bayern Munich’s defensive issues might be the nearly year-long saga surrounding the contract negotiations of Dayot Upamecano. Club officials have openly expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the talks.
One cannot help but conclude that there are tension between the front office and Bayern’s most important centre-back.
As much as the player is a professional, that also has to affect him on some level, given a certain degree of uncertainty about his future at the club.
Of course, Bayern Munich’s defensive issues are only part of the reason for their current dip in form. Hopefully, they will bring that under control in the important weeks ahead.
Main Photo
Credit: Action Press
Recording Date: 24.01.2026
