Bayern Munich will be feeling the pressure to win this season's Champions League. They are coming off the back of a trophyless season for the first time since 2012, and to add even more pressure, the final for this year's Champions League will be held in Munich. The last time Bayern hosted a final, they suffered a shock defeat to Chelsea, and they'll be hoping to put that right this year.
Bayern have a new manager in Vincent Kompany, someone well-known from his time at Manchester City. While some were surprised to see him move from a relegated Burnley side to Bayern, Kompany understands that coaching Bayern is very different from coaching Burnley in the Championship or Premier League. The players he has now are the best he's ever worked with, and the lessons he'll be giving them will be different than those for an underdog side like Burnley.
Managing bigger egos could be a concern, but Kompany was a captain for his national team, so he understands that everyone is different. While Bayern has players like Thomas Müller, who is the club's record appearance maker, Kompany knows how to ensure that even when a player is not playing, they are still pulling in the same direction as everyone else.
Kompany's time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has taught him a different style of football, and being open-minded is one of the biggest assets he can bring to Bayern. This new perspective could be the difference for him as a coach.
Kompany is aware that this season, especially in the Bundesliga, Bayern will be the favorites for 90% of their games. However, he knows that not every week will it be a low block or a mid-block defense. Sometimes it might be the RB Leipzig style of high energy, and sometimes it could be man-to-man. Kompany is looking to solve as many of these problems as possible and allow his team to thrive in attack, which is their biggest strength.
One of the most important parts of Bayern's build-up play is Jamal Musiala. Even though the two center-backs and a midfielder drop to make it a three-man backline, Musiala has the freedom to roam. He can come back to support the play and progress the ball up the field, or he can stay higher and play more like a false nine, linking up with Harry Kane.
Another important aspect of Bayern's play is the fact that their wingers will stay really high and at times really wide. While they may not get many touches of the ball, players like Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané are vital because they pin the opposition's backline, allowing the likes of Kane to drop deeper.
Speaking of Harry Kane, he is without a doubt one of the best finishers in world football, and his link-up play is as good as we've seen. How he benefits this Bayern Munich side, especially in the biggest games, as they approach one of the biggest seasons in their history, will be crucial.
Can Kane and Bayern end their respective wait for a trophy? I believe they can, but will it be this season's Champions League? We'll have to wait and see.
Part 1/5:
Bayern Munich's Champions League Ambitions
Bayern Munich will be feeling the pressure to win this season's Champions League. They are coming off the back of a trophyless season for the first time since 2012, and to add even more pressure, the final for this year's Champions League will be held in Munich. The last time Bayern hosted a final, they suffered a shock defeat to Chelsea, and they'll be hoping to put that right this year.
Part 2/5:
Bayern have a new manager in Vincent Kompany, someone well-known from his time at Manchester City. While some were surprised to see him move from a relegated Burnley side to Bayern, Kompany understands that coaching Bayern is very different from coaching Burnley in the Championship or Premier League. The players he has now are the best he's ever worked with, and the lessons he'll be giving them will be different than those for an underdog side like Burnley.
Part 3/5:
Managing bigger egos could be a concern, but Kompany was a captain for his national team, so he understands that everyone is different. While Bayern has players like Thomas Müller, who is the club's record appearance maker, Kompany knows how to ensure that even when a player is not playing, they are still pulling in the same direction as everyone else.
Kompany's time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has taught him a different style of football, and being open-minded is one of the biggest assets he can bring to Bayern. This new perspective could be the difference for him as a coach.
Part 4/5:
Kompany is aware that this season, especially in the Bundesliga, Bayern will be the favorites for 90% of their games. However, he knows that not every week will it be a low block or a mid-block defense. Sometimes it might be the RB Leipzig style of high energy, and sometimes it could be man-to-man. Kompany is looking to solve as many of these problems as possible and allow his team to thrive in attack, which is their biggest strength.
One of the most important parts of Bayern's build-up play is Jamal Musiala. Even though the two center-backs and a midfielder drop to make it a three-man backline, Musiala has the freedom to roam. He can come back to support the play and progress the ball up the field, or he can stay higher and play more like a false nine, linking up with Harry Kane.
Part 5/5:
Another important aspect of Bayern's play is the fact that their wingers will stay really high and at times really wide. While they may not get many touches of the ball, players like Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané are vital because they pin the opposition's backline, allowing the likes of Kane to drop deeper.
Speaking of Harry Kane, he is without a doubt one of the best finishers in world football, and his link-up play is as good as we've seen. How he benefits this Bayern Munich side, especially in the biggest games, as they approach one of the biggest seasons in their history, will be crucial.
Can Kane and Bayern end their respective wait for a trophy? I believe they can, but will it be this season's Champions League? We'll have to wait and see.