Bundesliga’s Back: Can Bayern Bring Home the Title?
After last season’s shock, when Bayer Leverkusen won their first Bundesliga title and ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year consecutive win record, Bayern is coming for the throne this season. While Bayer Leverkusen took home the title last season, Bayern Munich came in third, a shocking placement for the German team. With the Bundesliga season finally coming off the winter break, Leverkusen and Bayern are starting on highs with strong wins to kick off the new year. Currently, Bayern Munich remains in first place, trying to widen the gap between them and Leverkusen. Although Bayern currently holds the first-place position, Leverkusen has been able to beat them, knocking Bayern out of the Round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal. With the two teams both fighting for the top spot it makes everyone wonder, can Bayern bring home the title this year?
Following their shocking loss last season, Bayern Munich immediately changed the team, signing Vincent Kompany as their new manager and sacking Thomas Tuchel. Since Kompany’s time with the team, Bayern Munich has seen immediate improvement, with the team in first place, ahead by four points. With players returning from their loans, like Josip Stanišić, and new signings, like João Palhinha, the Munich team is finding their footing. Not only that, but it seems Harry Kane has found his footing alongside other incredible forwards this season. With his consistent goals and a 100% penalty success rating for Bayern, Kane is sure to help lead Bayern to the title again. Bayern could bring back the Bundesliga title this season with new players, a new coach, and a connected team.
However, injury plagues Bayern Munich. The team is never at its best, with players coming in and out. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer recently rejoined the team after being out with a broken rib for a month. As soon as he returned last week, star midfielder Jamal Musiala was out with an illness, causing him to miss the games against Hoffenheim and Mönchengladbach. Six Bayern players are out for an unknown time due to various injuries, worrying fans as we wonder who could be next. Vincent Kompany has stated that some players, like Musiala and Stanišić, will return to practice soon. Although the injuries and their lousy track record with Leverkusen hold them back, Bayern Munich can keep their top spot by continuing their current strategy and focusing on minimizing any more injuries.
