Bayern given a wake-up call
A defeat is almost always disheartening. It can bring one’s morale down, be fodder to critics and can often trigger a domino effect. But sometimes a loss can be good. It forces one to introspect, plug in the gaps and instill the hunger once again.
Bayern Munich’s 0-2 loss to Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie would more likely fall into the second category. Even before the tournament had started, the Bavarians were considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Their almost perfect run on the domestic circuit — the defeat to Bayer Leverkusen being the only blip — only consolidated this theory. From the 25 Bundesliga matches played so far, they have not only accrued 66 points but have maintained 16 clean sheets.
Bayern are not just capable of indulging in a goal riot but can also defend resolutely. And that separates them from Barcelona. There is no doubt that while going forward few can be more dangerous and classy than the Catalans. But Barca’s defence is vulnerable.
With all the odds in their favour, one perhaps cannot blame Bayern for being a little complacent against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena. After all they had a 3-1 cushion from first leg, played away from home. But complacency can bring even the mighty down and Arsenal showed Bayern just that. Fortunately for Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes, Arsenal scored only twice. The loss was more due to a lackadaisical approach by his men than Arsenal’s sharpness. Arjen Robben fluffed his chance at goal, the otherwise-impressive Dante was too error-prone and Tony Kroos seemed to think all his long-rangers will result in a goal. The 0-2 loss at Allianz was the Bavarians’ own making.
Fortunately for Bayern fans, such easygoing approach will not be repeated — Heynckes will ensure that. After all this is the manager who was hell-bent on penalising Bastian Schweinsteiger and Kroos for wearing white socks during a winter training session in Qatar! “We need discipline. And that starts with having the same socks,” Heynckes was quoted as saying by the news agencies then. One could only fathom what his players would have to pay for this loss. Pull up the socks or perish will perhaps be the message.
Nevertheless, henceforth Bayern will not lose a match, they will have to be outplayed and outclassed. And that is no easy task.