Cheers to the championship, FC Bayern. But not a season to celebrate... yet
- by Christian Ewers
- 3 Min
Celebratory nod to FC Bayern for claiming the title; however, their triumph this year deserves less accolades. - Victory Celebrations for FC Bayern: They've Claim their Championship Title
What will the 34th German championship of FC Bayern mean to the Munich side? Primarily, they'll remember the realization that they still control the traditional power dynamics. Leverkusen's victory the previous season, a mere anomaly now, is barely a ripple in league history. Bayern has recovered quickly from their temporary dent, and now everyone else must concede ground behind them.
However, there's little jubilation in Munich at the moment. The team suffered elimination in both the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League, with the pain of missing out on the "King's Class" final in their home stadium particularly stinging. The Bayern had already appropriated the match linguistically, always referring to it as the "Finale dahoam." Now, they're merely spectators, watching the final unfold in their Fröttmaning stadium on May 31.
Vincent Kompany, the team's esteemed coach, can't change this reality. He contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, who was demanding, always brimming with ideas, pressuring for new players, and publicly criticizing existing ones. For example, about Joshua Kimmich, a national player and long-standing regular of FC Bayern, he said: "He still lacks the defensive DNA of a six."
The club's management didn't appreciate such public criticisms of their top players, nor did they think the most expensive squad in the Bundesliga should struggle to dominate it.
FC Bayern sought a coach like Kompany
Kompany, 39, who came from small FC Burnley in England last summer, has never complained, despite the numerous injuries and illnesses that have plagued his team. He's had to rebuild the defense after the injuries of Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, and Jamal Musiala.
Kompany takes it all in stride. In his first season in Munich, he's kept a low profile. He rarely speaks about individual players, and when he does, it's always positively. Kompany remains silent where Tuchel once complained and criticized.
Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the two club legends, have longed for a coach like Kompany, who approaches his work with humility. A coach who recognizes the power and size of FC Bayern and makes himself appropriately small. If only Hoeneß and Rummenigge could have wished for Tuchel (and previously Julian Nagelsmann) to seek their advice. It would have been important to them as a show of respect for their contributions to the club.
Kompany has proven himself adept at fitting in as a young coach at the record champion, and he's grasped the preferred playing style for FC Bayern. Tuchel had oriented the team defensively, focusing on a holding six. Under Tuchel, attacking football was merely counter-attacking football, a waiting game for the opponent's mistakes.
Kompany, the antithesis of Tuchel, has transformed Bayern's game by pushing the team deep into the opponent's half and implementing a high-pressing game with plenty of possession and constant pressure on the goal. This has been entertaining, particularly appealing to Uli Hoeneß, who has always seen FC Bayern as an entertainment operation.
That said, the results have been lacking, particularly in the cup and the Champions League. Only a last-minute goal from Davies in extra time prevented a historic early exit against Celtic Glasgow.
In his first season in Munich, Kompany has particularly impressed with his soft skills. With his humble demeanor, he's won over the club leadership and raised football to a higher aesthetic level. Admirable, but it may not be enough for the upcoming season. The Munich team sees itself not just as a national champion but also as a European football powerhouse.
Vincent Kompany, who has understood the essence and temperament of FC Bayern much quicker than his two predecessors, will know what he needs to deliver in the future.
- FC Bayern
- Vincent Kompany
- Championship
- Bundesliga### Inside Look: foramong other things, expectations for Vincent Kompany and FC Bayern for the upcoming season include continued dominance in the Bundesliga, a significant improvement in the Champions League, and strategic signings to enhance squad depth and quality. Additionally, Kompany will need to adapt his tactics to suit European competition and continue developing young talent.
- FC Bayern will aim to maintain dominance in the Bundesliga, backed by their traditional power dynamics, having swiftly recovered from the previous season's anomaly.
- Vincent Kompany, the humble coach, showcased impressive soft skills in his first season at FC Bayern, winning over club leadership and elevating football to a higher aesthetic level.
- For the upcoming season, it is expected that Kompany will make strategic signings to enhance squad depth and quality, while also adapting his tactics to suit European competition.
- FC Bayern's ambition extends beyond the national championship, as they seek to assert themselves as a formidable force in European football leagues.
