Bayern Munich will always enter a Champions League campaign with expectations of competing for the trophy, but after another season that exposed both strengths and weaknesses, there are still a few key areas the club could improve before truly looking like Europe’s most complete side again.
So what should Bayern prioritize most? Let’s explore the options.
Depth
One of Bayern Munich’s biggest issues over the last couple of seasons has been squad depth. Injuries and fixture congestion consistently forced the team
to rely heavily on a small core of players, especially in midfield and defense. When the starters are healthy and fresh, Bayern can go toe-to-toe with anyone in Europe. The problem comes when rotations are needed and the drop-off becomes noticeable. Adding more reliable rotational options — particularly players who can contribute immediately in knockout matches — could make a massive difference over a long campaign.
Defense
Even with elite individual talent, Bayern’s defense still looked vulnerable in major moments. Whether it was poor positioning, inconsistent communication, or struggles defending in transition, the back line never fully felt dominant against top-tier European attacks. Injuries certainly played a role, but Bayern may still need another commanding center-back or a more balanced defensive structure overall. Winning the Champions League usually requires surviving ugly matches, and Bayern has not always looked capable of that recently.
Midfield
For years, Bayern’s midfield dictated games with control, intensity, and composure. At times this season, though, the midfield lacked balance. There were matches where Bayern looked too open defensively, while in others the buildup play became slow and predictable. The club has talent in the middle of the pitch, but finding the right combination — one that can both protect the defense and drive the attack forward — still feels unfinished. Against Europe’s elite, midfield control often decides everything.
Coaching
No matter how talented the squad is, the manager has to maximize it. Tactical flexibility, player management, in-game adjustments, and establishing a clear identity all matter when navigating a Champions League run. Bayern Munich has the talent to compete with any club in the world, but the question remains whether the coaching setup can consistently get the best out of the squad in the biggest moments if Vincent Kompany does not change some things. To be clear, this is not a call for Kompany’s job, but a call for him to make some necessary adjustments to his style.
So what do you think Bayern Munich needs to improve most to finally bring the Champions League trophy back to Munich?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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