Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning triumph over Bayern Munich has brought an end to the latter’s 11-year stronghold on the Bundesliga. The unexpected defeat has understandably raised alarm bells in the Bayern boardroom, calling for swift and decisive action.
Need to strategize
Bayern Munich’s appointment of Julian Nagelsmann for a world record fee of €25 million generated a lot of anticipation and excitement. However, Nagelsmann’s tenure was cut short, and he was sacked during the 2023 March international break.
The team’s decision to replace him with Thomas Tuchel was surprising given their impressive performance in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, under Tuchel’s leadership, they suffered a disappointing defeat to Manchester City, and key player Upamecano had a difficult game at Etihad.
Despite these setbacks, Bayern’s Bundesliga triumphs overshadowed their shortcomings, but the rise of Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso has prompted the team to re-evaluate their project.
The board has underwent a major restructuring, which saw Oliver Kahn’s dismissal after last season while Tuchel will leave the club at the end of this campaign. This is a positive move that demonstrates Bayern’s commitment to excellence and competitiveness. One can expect to see a stronger and more focused Bayern team in the future, as they work towards reclaiming their spot at the top of European football.
Expiring Contracts
Bayern Munich is currently facing a critical situation, where the contracts of several key players are set to expire next season. This includes some significant players such as Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller.
The current situation is dire, and the most dramatic case is that of Davies, as Real Madrid is eyeing him for a potential signing next summer. This rumor has already affected Davies’ on-field performances. Moreover, other clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City are in talks with Kimmich for a possible transfer.
The contractual uncertainties of these heavyweights could jeopardize the overall performance of the team. Bayern is not a club that engages in a money war with other financially backed clubs, and the possibility of these players moving away from the club looms large.
This puts immense pressure on the management to find suitable replacements while dealing with their managerial hunt. It is imperative for Bayern to act decisively and sort out the situation as early as possible by renewing the contracts or selling them.
Crafting the Perfect Squad Structure
It’s not entirely fair to blame Tuchel for the season’s failure as Bayern’s squad has some deficiencies. The absence of a defensive midfielder is a problem in their out of possession structure. It’s surprising that Bayern, despite having such a strong defense with players like Kim Min Jae, De Ligt, and Eric Dier, has conceded the most number of goals among the top 5 teams in the Bundesliga. This is a cause for concern.
However, their attack is still among the best with Harry Kane hitting top form, and Bayern is still a team that is deadly in transition. To present their title bid next season, Bayern needs to fill the gaps in their squad. They should rely on young players such as Aleksandar Pavlović, Adam Aznou, and Mathys Tel, while Jamal Musiala is already a superstar. A mix of youth and experience is the way to move forward, and Bayern has enough ammunition to build the perfect squad next season.