For weeks, the countdown was on. No one seriously doubted Bayern Munich’s 33rd Bundesliga title since 1962; it was merely a matter of when the math would solidify their victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The day arrived, and Bayern celebrated their success as “Sofa-Meister” – couch champions – before even taking the field. Their official celebration will be held on Saturday at the Allianz Arena, a momentous occasion for the entire club.
This victory holds special significance for two Bayern players: Thomas Müller and Harry Kane. Müller, a legend whose recently released documentary, “Einer wie Keiner” (“One of a Kind”), perfectly captures his impact on Bayern and Bavarian culture, is set to lift his record 13th Meisterschale. This will likely be his final bow at the Allianz Arena after a remarkable 502 Bundesliga appearances. Meanwhile, Kane, finally lifting a major trophy, will share the spotlight, his professionalism and dedication clearly evident in his performance for the club.
The success of Bayern under Vincent Kompany’s first season as manager is undeniable. Many consider Kompany’s arrival a stroke of luck for the club, praising his style of play, his German fluency, and his overall demeanor. He’s not the finished product as a manager, but his potential has been fully realized in his first season. The positive team spirit, as contrasted by established stars like Joshua Kimmich with previous seasons, speaks volumes about Kompany’s leadership.
While some might argue that Kompany merely met expectations by winning the Bundesliga, which is considered the norm for Bayern, the team’s performances in the German Cup and Champions League leave room for discussion. The early red card for Manuel Neuer in the German Cup match against Leverkusen significantly impacted the outcome, and the Champions League campaign, while aiming for a home final in Munich, fell short due to inconsistent defensive performances and a lack of strong leadership in the backline.
The scrutiny now shifts to Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting CEO, regarding the squad’s composition, Müller’s departure, and the re-signing of Alphonso Davies. While the Bundesliga title is a significant achievement, questions remain about the team’s overall strategy and future prospects.
Despite these minor shortcomings, this season has been “very good,” according to Joshua Kimmich. It might not rival previous legendary seasons, but it fulfills Bayern’s primary goal under Kompany: a return to stability and league dominance. Kompany’s impact on the team, particularly Michael Olise’s rapid rise to prominence, is evident. Bayern secured the Meisterschale through their own hard work, unlike their back-door victory two years ago.
While Kompany’s future success will depend on more than just the Bundesliga title, his first season marks a remarkable accomplishment at one of the most demanding clubs in world football. His ability to foster a positive team environment and guide Bayern back to the top of the league is a testament to his coaching abilities.
