Weak Bundesliga hurting Bayern’s chances in Europe
are rarely tested and struggle when under pressure. Bundesliga teams tend to defend conservatively against Bayern.
“The attitude is often that opponents don’t want to lose heavily,” said ex-bayern midfielder Michael Ballack. “There is often too much respect.”
Former West Germany striker Dieter Hoeness, brother of Bayern president Uli, says Bayern’s huge lead does them no favours. “When you have such a big lead, you lack a bit of bite,” he told Sky.
Bayern are Germany’s sole remaining Champions League side — compared to England’s five teams — in the last 16. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig both failed to make it past the group stage.
In order for Bayern to continue competing on the European stage, they need genuine domestic rivals. “It would be good if alongside Dortmund and Bayern, a third team constantly reached the Champions League,” said Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski.
To do so, German clubs would need increased spending power. In a bid to boost foreign investment, the German Football League (DFL) is considering ditching its ‘50+1’ rule, which ensures clubs are majority owned by their own membership rather than external investors.
Too often, though, the rest of the Bundesliga is dwarfed by Bayern’s financial might and prestige. For years, they have lured Germany’s best young talent from rivals to Munich, such as Serge Gnabry, Sebastian Rudy, Niklas Suele, Sandro Wagner and Leon Goretzka.