Is Bayern Ready for the Champions League's Critical Phase?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bayern Munich is nearing the end of 2025 with only eight matches remaining.
- Key players Davies and Ito are returning from injuries.
- The club is focused on contract negotiations with important players.
- Bayern has achieved significant victories in the Champions League this season.
- Coach Kompany emphasizes a cautious approach to player returns.
Berlin, Nov 21 (NationPress) Bayern Munich is nearing the conclusion of 2025 with just eight matches left, which includes the Bundesliga clash against Freiburg this Saturday and a pivotal UEFA Champions League encounter against former English champions Arsenal next Wednesday.
The Bavarians are navigating key contract renewals, welcoming back long-term injured stars Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito, and aiming for a league record.
Japanese international Ito may see some action this weekend following an eight-month hiatus due to a fractured foot, whereas Canadian international Davies is gradually resuming regular training after recovering from a torn cruciate ligament.
Both Ito and Davies are likely to rejoin the team, albeit for a limited duration. Coach Vincent Kompany has advocated a cautious approach, underscoring that he is not taking any risks, as reported by Xinhua.
This weekend, Bayern's discussions regarding defender Dayot Upamecano, winger Serge Gnabry, and midfielder Leon Goretzka are making headlines.
Kompany has called for thoughtful actions as the team gears up for the Champions League's crucial moments next spring.
Bayern appears to be fully committed to securing a new deal for Upamecano. Recently, club president Herbert Hainer visited the training facility to reaffirm the club's strong interest and gauge the player's intentions. 'He is content here, and I am optimistic we will finalize this,' Hainer remarked.
Reports indicate that several top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, are in pursuit of the Frenchman, while teams like FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Chelsea are believed to have minimal chances.
With all 15 internationals returning from their international duties without injury, Kompany is preparing for the upcoming matches.
Board member Uli Hoeness commended the coach's successes, stating, 'The team and the fans are enjoying it.'
'In previous years, starting from the 1980s, everyone wished for the matches to end quickly. Now, we hope they will never stop,' he added.
In the Champions League 2025-26, Germany's premier club, Bayern Munich, has thus far triumphed over Club Brugge with a score of 4-0 and defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in an away match.