Weak Bundesliga hurting Bayern’s chances in Europe
Munich’s iron-grip on the Bundesliga shows no signs of weakening, but in Germany there is fear the lack of strong domestic rivals is hurting their Champions League chances.
Despite Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Hertha Berlin, Bayern finished the weekend 19 points clear. Bayern are steaming towards a sixth straight title, but recent European success has eluded them.
“Until April, Bayern won’t have any challenges,” bemoaned German magazine Kicker. “How can they keep up pressure in the squad?
“It won’t be easy given a sixth successive title is practically in the bag and there isn’t a single week in March, other than the return trip to Istanbul, with two matches.”
Their 5-0 hammering of 10-man Besiktas in last week’s last-16 first leg, leaves Bayern on the verge of a Champions League quarterfinal berth, unless disaster strikes in the return leg on March 14.
Bayern last won the competition in 2013, but in each of the four seasons since they have lost in the Champions League knock-out stage to Spanish clubs.
Pep Guardiola’s team bowed out of the semi-finals to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in consecutive seasons. Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern lost in the quarterfinals to Real.
Critics say a dearth of strong domestic rivals means Bayern 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.