BAYERN MUNCHEN'S STRUGGLES: THE ROLE OF TACTICS, PLAYER SELECTION, AND CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

Bayern Munich, once the dominant force in the Bundesliga, has seen a dip in its performance and standings. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind Bayern's current struggles, focusing on key factors such as the tactics of manager Thomas Tuchel, player selection, and evolving expectations. We also delve into the perception of Harry Kane, the ￡100m summer signing, as the primary culprit of Bayern's woes.

THE ROLE OF TACTICS AND PLAYER SELECTION

Bayern's decline in form has been attributed largely to the tactics and player selection employed by manager Thomas Tuchel. When Tuchel took over in 2023, his vision for the team was to enhance performance in the Champions League, where Bayern's recent track record with PSL, Villarreal, and Manchester City had been less than satisfactory. However, the results on the Bundesliga front have not been as favorable. Key selection decisions, such as playing Joshua Kimmich out of position, over-relying on Mario G?tze, and keeping Julian Brandt on the bench, have raised questions about the effectiveness of Tuchel's choices.

HARRY KANE: THE 'CURSE' MEETS BAYERN

Another focal point of criticism is the summer signing of Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur. While many expected Kane to inject a new level of quality into Bayern's attack, his performance has been mixed. Kane has scored 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga matches so far, but his team has looked disjointed and mellow in important encounter. This has led to the belief that despite his goals, Kane's impact goes beyond just numbers.

COPING WITH CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

The landscape for Bayern Munich has changed significantly. After a 10-championship run, the focus has shifted towards finding a balance between domestic success and Champions League glory. Tuchel's methods, aimed at addressing European expectations, have not yielded immediate results. The club's financial clout and market influence mean that they should be able to compete strongly in both leagues. However, the current lineup and strategy fail to meet these heightened expectations.

RECENT FORM AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The recent slump in form has been stark. Bayer Leverkusen's rise in the standings and their 3-0 victory over Bayern in a head-to-head match have been major setbacks. This has pushed Bayern closer to a change in the manager’s role. Tuchel's tenure has seen a period of uncertainty, with the last Champions League match results suggesting a decline in performance. A change to a new manager might offer a short-term boost to the team's morale and performance, but significant adjustments are required in terms of player selection and tactics to revert to the club's former glory.

Bayern Munich's journey to regain its footing in the Bundesliga and maintain its prominent place in the Champions League will undoubtedly require a comprehensive overhaul of its strategies, with a focus on aligning them with the changing expectations and high standards set by its fan base and shareholders.