Bayern Munich are in the midst of a demonstration proving why they are Germany’s powerhouse club. Die Rekordmeister have opened a nine-point lead despite runners-up Borussia Dortmund having an admirable season themselves — losing only two games, both at the hands of Bayern. But admirable doesn’t quite cut it in the Bundesliga when you’re squaring up with Bayern, and no one knows it better than Dortmund President, Hans-Joachim Watzke.
“I don’t think we’ve collected this many points since 2016 or so,
but the only problem is that Bayern always decide whether you can become German champions or not,” explained Watzke (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Because with the points we might get this year, it would’ve been enough for the title in many other years.”
The President of the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) went on to give Bayern the highest praise.
“For me, Bayern is currently the best team in Europe. It was a delight to watch how they dismantled Atalanta in the Champions League.”
Watzke’s words aren’t encouraging for the rest of the Bundesliga. It’s as if the Bundesliga is at the mercy of Bayern — a force of nature that cannot be fought. But that’s not necessarily true.
Despite Bayern’s electric season under Vincent Kompany, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side had more points at the same point in their undefeated season. Bayern have amassed 70 points in 27 games. Leverkusen, on the other hand, had 73 points after 27 games in the 2023/24 season. Irrefutable proof that Bayern can be rivaled, even at their best.
Sure, the chances of winning the Bundesliga are always greater when Bayern are having a poor season. But, adopting the attitude of only chasing the Meisterschale when the Munich-based side are below par is embracing a losing attitude — and likely the reason Dortmund haven’t won the league since 2012, despite numerous opportunities to do so.
Yes, it takes something special to beat Bayern, even at the worst of times — they are that good. But, the fault doesn’t lie solely on Die Roten. The Bundesliga suffers when teams victimize themselves, accepting the league as a foregone conclusion before a ball has even been kicked. A healthy Bundesliga needs brave teams who are willing to challenge Bayern head on. It is possible. But, will the challengers ever truly believe? That’s the real question.
