Any chat about European football that continues past the twenty-minute marker is bound to include some mention of Bayern Munich. Typically, conversations focus on trade rumors and staff changes, as well as the high-profile battles in top leagues.
Will Guardiola’s Manchester City be able to topple Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool? Can Atletico find a way to quash crosstown rivals in Madrid yet again? How is Messi adjusting to PSG, and Ronaldo to Manchester United?
Then comes a brief mention of Bayern Munich. The club’s accolades are often mentioned, from their recent nabbing of the ninth consecutive Bundesliga title to their historic double treble continental win last year. Clearly, the club has chops… but it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves.
Many see Bayern Munich as a Bundesliga team that they’re just happy to back in European competitions with a free bet no-deposit offer, viewing the team as an unknown quantity beyond the confines of Germany. With a growing number of titles, the club has the reputation to command better players and greater amounts of investment—or so it’s perceived.
But the club’s reputation could be changing slowly. After all, their definitive performance in the 2020 Champions League brought some much-needed attention to the club from football fans who tend to avoid the Bundesliga. Already, the team has seen more analysis and coverage from sportsbooks and broadcasters alike, who are eager to fit the team into a larger football landscape after its 2020 performance.
Many are keeping a close eye on the team and looking to the future, weighing whether Bayern Munich’s continental dynasty is just beginning after a meteoric rise in Germany. Here are three reasons it’s entirely possible.
One: They’re Young
Last year’s domination of Barcelona with an 8-2 win signaled the end of the Catalan dynasty—but it was also a worthy win for a young roster of dedicated, passionate players. Though many associate Bayern Munich with Robert Lewandowski, he scored in the 82nd minute after the team already had a 4-2 lead.
The game was won largely by its youngest players, who displayed speed, creativity, and power. Then there was the newly-appointed Hansi Flick, who seemed to have no problem placing each player in a position that highlighted their skills, including young new talents. Looking ahead, Alphonso Davies (age 20), Joshua Kimmich (age 26), Leon Goretzka (age 26), and Kingsley Coman (age 25) will be invaluable assets for years to come—though it’ll be new coach Julian Nagelsmann responsible for taking them there.
Two: Something to Prove
As mentioned above, Bayern Munich hasn’t always been seen as a threat beyond the Bundesliga. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by players, staff, or fans, who are all eager to prove that their steamrolling of the league in Germany isn’t due to poor competition in the Bundesliga. Disproving this assumption is especially important for the club.
So far in Flick’s short career with Bayern, he’s delivered a continental treble for his 2019 campaign in the Champions League and Bundesliga, as well as a UEFA Super Cup win and a 2020 FIFA Club World Cup win.
However, Flick has moved on to coach the German national team, which leaves Julian Nagelsmann at the helm. While its clear Flick had no problem leading his roster to victory, Nagelsmann will be working overtime to prove the same of himself. This is bound to be an asset; so far this season, Nagelsmann has lost only one game to domestic rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.
Three: Through the Enemy’s Eyes
Flick was appointed as head coach after spending years as an assistant coach. On the other hand, Nagelsmann spent years battling Flick as the head coach of Leipzig. This gives him a unique perspective on the club, as he spent years formulating plans of attack and defense against the Bundesliga rivals.
So far, Nagelsmann seems to have worked his particular style of coaching magic for Leroy Sane, who had yet to fulfill his potential. He’s received a few nods of approval, too, including from player Didi Hamann, who’s liked Nagelsmann’s approach to defensive formations and bringing out the best in players. The latter will prove especially useful, as Bayern has a deep roster of young talents who will need care and attention in the coming years.
