The Bundesliga season is about to kick off with Bayern Munich’s first match against VfL Wolfsburg this weekend. All eyes are on new manager Vincent Kompany, who is determined to guide the club back to the top of German football.
Bayern Munich has firmly established itself as the dominant force in the Bundesliga for the past decade, demonstrating unparalleled excellence in German football. The club achieved an extraordinary feat by securing 11 consecutive championships, a remarkable streak from 2013 to 2023. During this period, Bayern Munich consistently outperformed their competitors, showcasing a level of consistency and prowess that cemented their status as the preeminent team in Germany’s top division.
However, last season saw the Bavarians, Germany’s richest football club, significantly overshadowed by Bayer Leverkusen, who surged to an unbeaten domestic league and cup double. Bayern Munich then ended their worst season in years by finishing third in the Bundesliga, falling behind VfB Stuttgart for the runner-up position.
Former Belgium international Kompany, who took over from Thomas Tuchel, has been focused on reestablishing order within the Bayern squad and boosting player confidence as they prepare for Sunday’s season opener.
“Last year they had the same quality in the team, but communication between the coach and players was not perfect,” former Bayern and Germany captain Lothar Matthäus remarked at an international media roundtable this week.
“Bayern means ‘we are a family’, and this we have to live by day after day. Kompany is the coach who can bring that atmosphere back to the team.”
Bayern invested approximately 100 million euros ($111 million) in signing winger Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
They acquired defender Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart to strengthen a backline that conceded too many goals during last season’s trophy-less campaign.
“I have a positive feeling regarding this team that seems again to be inspired and ready to attack once more,” Bayern Director of Sports Max Eberl said.
Bayern also features returning stars Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, who are expected to be central to the club’s potent attack for the 2024-25 season. Kane, who topped the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts last season with 36 goals in 32 matches, will play a key role again.
Can Leverkusen defend their title against Munich?
However, Leverkusen, having largely retained their squad and kept coach Xabi Alonso, is resolute in their goal to defend the Bundesliga title against Bayern Munich.
Their relentless determination, which had proven so effective throughout last season, was again on display this past Saturday. In a thrilling contest in the German Supercup against VfB Stuttgart, they demonstrated their resilience by scoring a dramatic late equalizer. This crucial goal kept their hopes alive and set the stage for a high-stakes finish. The match then proceeded to a penalty shootout, where their composure and fortitude shone through, allowing them to secure the title. This victory further underscored their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that have defined their recent successes.
“They have less pressure in Leverkusen than [Bayern] Munich this season,” Matthaeus said.
“Leverkusen don’t have to win. Bayern, after their last two seasons, not only have to win but have to perform as well. Now that is pressure.”
Leverkusen will officially kick off the Bundesliga season with a match at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday.
Last season’s unexpected runners-up, VfB Stuttgart, is expected to face a more challenging season this year. They have lost key players, including Ito to Bayern, top scorer Serhou Guirassy to Borussia Dortmund, and defender Waldemar Anton to Borussia Dortmund.
The addition of German internationals Anton, Pascal Gross, and Maximilian Beier could reinstate Dortmund as a serious title contender. However, they will need Guirassy to step up and fill the void left by Niclas Füllkrug, who moved to West Ham United.
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