A stunning effort from Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán has finally highlighted a setback for Vincent Kompany in his early days as Bayern Munich’s manager. The 1-0 defeat at Villa Park in the Champions League marks Bayern’s first season loss in all competitions, following a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen just days prior. While Bayern felt they deserved to win against Leverkusen, their performance in Birmingham was less convincing. Unai Emery’s team rightfully claimed the victory.
Nonetheless, the Bayern camp has an optimistic vibe regarding Kompany’s promising start, even if it’s still early in the season. The team’s impressive victories—9-2 against Dinamo Zagreb, 6-1 against Holstein Kiel, and 5-0 against Werder Bremen—have undoubtedly lifted morale and generated excitement among players and fans alike. These commanding wins have showcased Bayern’s attacking prowess and tactical depth, allowing them to establish a strong foundation as they look to build momentum.
However, it’s essential to recognize that the teams they’ve faced may not present the same challenge as the current Aston Villa squad. While those victories have been impressive, the actual test lies ahead. With its blend of skillful players and strategic gameplay, Aston Villa poses a significant threat that could reveal more about Bayern’s capabilities under Kompany. As the season progresses, the players and coaching staff must remain focused and maintain their competitive edge to ensure they can continue winning against tougher opponents. The forthcoming games will be important in establishing whether the current optimism can translate into sustained success on the pitch.
Former Bayern and Germany midfielder Lothar Matthäus recently expressed his enthusiasm for Bayern’s season so far, boldly comparing it to the Pep Guardiola era. He proposed that this current team could surpass the Guardiola squads, which amassed numerous trophies, aside from the Champions League. However, former Bayern player Toni Kroos believes such a comparison may be premature.
“It’s still early in the season. It’s just early October, and people are already getting carried away. Let’s take a step back. The season is only four weeks old, yet there’s talk of Guardiola-style football and how much better everything looks now. Then, after a couple of poor games at the end of October, they might claim it resembles the past—whatever that means. They’ve had three strong weeks, which is true. I’ll gladly agree if they can maintain that against tougher opponents. But is it already better than under Guardiola? That’s a risky claim,” Kroos recently explained on Einfach Mal Luppen’s podcast (via @iMiaSanMia).
On the surface, the recent retiree from Germany and Real Madrid makes a valid point. Bayern has managed just a draw and a loss against Leverkusen and Villa, the only stronger teams they’ve faced this season, not to downplay their other performances. It’s essential to win against any opponent, as there are no easy matches in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, or Champions League. However, Kroos, considered too costly by Bayern’s management when he left, is cautious about anyone at the club getting overly enthusiastic.
Bayern has ample opportunities to get Kroos on board with the excitement surrounding the team. The anticipation is palpable as they head into a challenging series of matches. Before and shortly after the October international break, Bayern will face formidable opponents, including Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, and FC Barcelona. These games represent one of the most challenging stretches of the season, testing the team’s mettle and giving them a chance to showcase their abilities against solid competition.
This upcoming phase could significantly influence the narrative around Bayern’s season. A successful run in these matches could bolster their confidence and strengthen their belief in their potential to compete at the highest levels. Kroos, with his experience and insight, will be watching closely. If the group can handle the situation and deliver standout performances, it could solidify the current buzz and draw Kroos into the hype surrounding their progress. Ultimately, their performance in these critical fixtures will be essential in forming the perception of their season.
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