It seems like Bayern Munich is going through a never-ending nightmare. The perennial German champions have suffered three consecutive defeats, including a shocking 3-2 loss to mid-table Bochum. This string of defeats has plunged the club into a deep crisis and they now find themselves eight points behind the still-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.
The team’s performance has been unfocused and disordered, and they are struggling to keep up with Xabi Alonso’s men. Their Champions League future is also uncertain after a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
Coach Thomas Tuchel, however, remains optimistic and puts a brave face on things. He believes his side did not deserve to be beaten by Bochum and blames individual mistakes for their poor performance. Tuchel argues that if they were to play the game again, they would have a high probability of winning.
Looking at Bayern’s expected goals (xG) figure of 3.35, the fact that they took 27 shots compared to Bochum’s 10, and had more than two-thirds of the possession, Tuchel’s point is valid. However, success is not defined in hypothetical terms in Munich, and their incoherent performance is concerning.
Midfielder Leon Goretzka acknowledges the team’s individual mistakes and questions everything at the moment. He does not believe Bayern can win the Bundesliga this season, highlighting the lack of form and confidence among the players.
There is talk of too many big, well-paid personalities losing their hunger, and Tuchel’s relationship with the team has been strained. He has implicitly questioned their credentials on multiple occasions, undermining the players’ belief in themselves. Tactical proficiency counts for little if the dressing room is not on your side.
Disenchantment within the team is evident, as seen in midfielder Joshua Kimmich’s angry exchange with assistant coach Zsolt Low at the end of the match against Bochum. The situation between Tuchel and the team is deemed untenable, and the club’s bosses are considering replacing him with their former coach Hansi Flick.
Despite poor results with the German national team, Flick’s all-conquering run in 2020 and early 2021 is still fresh in the minds of Bayern’s powerbrokers. The club would prefer to muddle through with Tuchel for now and target a big-name coach in the summer to overhaul the squad for next season. Xabi Alonso, who had a successful career at Bayern, is their dream candidate.
For now, Tuchel’s position is safe for another six days at least. However, a fourth consecutive defeat could spell the end for him, even without a ready-made savior to step in. Bayern last lost as many consecutive games in 2015, but they had already clinched the title back then.
The Bundesliga season, which used to be over by March, may not take that long to be decided this year. Bayern’s struggles and the uncertainty surrounding the team have implications for the future of the club and the league as a whole.
In conclusion, Bayern Munich’s current crisis and their underwhelming performances raise questions about the future of the team and the league. The team’s lack of form, individual mistakes, and strained relationships with the coach have created uncertainty. Bayern’s bosses must make tough decisions to revive the team’s fortunes, and the potential appointment of Xabi Alonso as a coach brings a sense of excitement and new energy. Only time will tell how Bayern navigates through this crisis and whether they can reclaim their dominance in the Bundesliga.