Bayern Under Fire After Champions League Departure
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Synopsis
Bayern Munich's recent exit from the UEFA Champions League has ignited serious discussions about the club's future, squad dynamics, and financial strategies, following a disappointing performance in the quarterfinals against Inter Milan.
Key Takeaways
- Bayern Munich's early Champions League exit raises concerns.
- Calls for squad overhaul and better leadership from management.
- Captain Kimmich highlights issues with team performance.
- Financial discrepancies in expenses and revenues noted.
- Pressure mounts on coach Kompany and board member Eberl.
Berlin, April 18 (NationPress) The UEFA Champions League finals held on home ground continue to cast a shadow over Bayern Munich, and this season's premature exit has prompted serious inquiries regarding the club's future, team composition, and financial approach.
Following the disappointment of losing the 2012 final to Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, Bayern's aspirations for the 2025 Champions League were thwarted again—this time in the quarterfinals by a well-organized Inter Milan team. This defeat signifies the German champions' fourth quarterfinal exit in the last five seasons.
Germany's Kicker magazine remarked, 'Business as usual is not an option,' advocating for a thorough squad overhaul and a more assertive approach from the club's management.
Team captain Joshua Kimmich reflected the mounting worries, stating that the team had 'too many matches where we performed adequately but lost,' acknowledging that Bayern was fortunate to have progressed to the knockout stage after barely advancing through the playoff round, as reported by Xinhua.
'We have not triumphed over many elite European teams this season,' noted the 30-year-old midfielder. 'Our expenses and revenues are alarmingly disproportionate. We might be at their level, but we cannot defeat them.'
Securing only the Bundesliga title in 2025—following a trophy-less 2024 season that also included exits from the Champions League and the German Cup—falls short of the team's ambitions, Kimmich added.
After expensive contract extensions for Alphonso Davies, Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, and Kimmich himself, German media is now calling for bolstering Bayern's shaky defense, along with a dependable backup for striker and England captain Harry Kane.
The Bild tabloid has indicated rising tensions within Bayern's management, suggesting that board member for sports Max Eberl could be facing pressure. Die Welt questioned whether Bayern's current roster still meets elite European standards, while Sport1 highlighted a 'lack of resilience' within the squad.
At the same time, some sources imply that the initial grace period may be over for Vincent Kompany, the 39-year-old head coach. With expectations escalating and performances under the spotlight, Kompany's future might hinge on the team's success next season.
Critics have also criticized Eberl's recent remarks describing the season as a success, labeling them as misleading in light of Bayern's European failures. Many are now calling for what they term an 'honest' post-season evaluation.
