The 2018/19 season is a redefining year for Bayern Munich. With a new boss and the obvious shift from buying well-established players to developing young talents, the Bavarians are starting to build for the future.
However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be in contention for the title in the Bundesliga this upcoming season. They are still the reigning German champions; and with a plethora of world-class players at their disposal, Bayern Munich can afford to transform the club all while competing (or dominating) at the top level.
Making changes is always a risky business, but fans can expect Niko Kovac and his new charges to find a way to take over the league once again. After all, in Germany, the Bavarians are synonymous with success.
Key Strengths
Bayern Munich are the best team in the Bundesliga—that has been the case for six years now. And after winning a record sixth straight league title last season, all signs point that they are going to make another history with a seventh consecutive German championship trophy.
They have all the weapons, anyway.
The Bavarians, then under legendary coach Jupp Heynckes, finished 2017/18 as the league’s leading scorers by a wide margin. They hit 92 goals, 26 more than Hoffenheim who had the second-most markers with 66.
Fortunately for the team, things are unlikely to change for them in the offensive end. Robert Lewandowski—who top-scored the club and the league with 29 goals—chose to remain at the Allianz Arena after months of doubt about his future.
For what it’s worth, the Pole international bagged a hat-trick in their 5-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFL-Super Cup.
With Lewandowski back in the fold and appearing to be committed, Bayern have their frontline of Lewy, Sandro Wagner, Thomas Muller and James Rodriguez intact.
The four players accounted for 51 of Bayern’s goal last year, so it’s only right to expect the most successful German club in history to keep firing again when the new season opens.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that this Bavarian team has great quality between the sticks. Manuel Neuer, oft-considered as one of the best goalies of all time, is back and healthy again, which should be a cause for concern for any team.
A look at Neuer’s back-up, Sven Ulreich, should give opponents more headaches. Ulreich impressed last year as a deputy for the injured Neuer, and he is undoubtedly tough to break as other German top-flight teams learned last season.
Major Weaknesses and Concerns
Defence has often been the weakest link in the team, that despite having the best defensive record—only 28 goals conceded—last campaign.
It doesn’t help that, according to Bundesliga 2018 news, centre-back Jerome Boateng is 50-50 to leave the club.
Boateng has been slowed down by nagging leg injuries, but he’s a dangerous defender when healthy and is even capable of creating for his teammates. Niklas Sule has stepped up in the centre-back post and will be Kovac’s first choice for the position, but losing Boateng would still be a blow.
Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba and Mats Hummels all had an up-and-down campaign last year, so they need to play more consistently if Bayern are to compete not only in the Bundesliga but also in the Champions League.
Another concern for Bayern is adjusting to Kovac’s football philosophy. The Bavarians found success in recent years with their possession play that emphasises ball control and plenty of short passes, but Kovac mainly uses a direct play approach that requires players to use intensive pressing and to score immediately after getting the ball.
It worked for him at Frankfurt as he led the team to a DFP-Pokal championship over Bayern, but it remains to be seen if the reigning champs can adjust well to the change in tactics.
Key Players to Watch
Only a handful of players can boast becoming back-to-back top scorers in the German top flight, and Lewandowski has a chance to join those elite few in his quest for Bundesliga immortality.
However, he is not the only one fans need to keep an eye on this upcoming season. Real Madrid loanee and Colombia international James Rodriguez is coming off an impressive first year in Germany, and expectations are higher this time following his spectacular World Cup stint.
The youngsters shouldn’t be forgotten too. There’s Leon Goretzka who had an amazing year with Schalke, as well as Serge Gnabry and Renato Sanches who are now a year older and a year more experienced after their loan spells.
There’s also Corentin Tolisso. After learning from the now departed Arturo Vidal and winning the World Cup with France, the 24-year-old is set for a breakout season.
Fearless Forecast
A seventh straight Bundesliga crown is the likely result. The SBOBET football odds on Bundesliga 2018 betting have Bayern as clear leaders to secure the league title, and I am not betting against that.
However, I expect them to struggle a bit in the opening weeks. Furthermore, I don’t think they will win by the same 21-point margin as they did last campaign, especially with the likes of Schalke, Hoffenheim and Dortmund showing their intention to win.
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