Point-Counterpoint: No Seventh Heaven for Bayern?

Five reasons Bayern may not bounce back to win this time around.

There is a word for what happens when Bayern Munich go winless for more than two matches—crisis. Bayern are winless in their last four matches in all competitions and in sixth place in the Bundesliga—four points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. Earlier this week, the Bundesliga website gave five reasons why Bayern can turn things around. Consider this a bit of a counterpoint this argument as there may be as many reasons this time why Bayern may not win a seventh consecutive title. 

1)  Aging Players

Bayern have plenty of stars that have been here before, but they are not getting any younger either. Franck Ribery is 35, Arjen Robben is 34, and others such as Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, Rafinha, and Javi Martinez are also north of 30. It doesn’t help matters when Rafinha (pictured), David Alaba, and possibly now Jerome Boateng all injured. 

There are up and coming youngsters such as Nicolas Süle, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry; but will they all have the endurance to battle back once again after being in a similar position last season. Yes, they won the Bundesliga last season by 21 points, but it’s a different year.

2)  Other Teams Have Improved

Dortmund have new life this season, especially with Paco Alcacer scoring like there is no tomorrow. Usual bogey side, Borussia Mönchengladbach got their statement win a week ago at the Allianz and have an exciting star in Alessane Plea and Lars Stindl in form. RB Leipzig is near the top after a slow start. Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin are surprise packages at the start. 

It’s only seven weeks into the season, but it’s clear that many teams in the Bundesliga have made upgrades and are better prepared to challenge Bayern for the title.

3)  Bayern Have Not Improved

The highest profile addition this season has been Vancouver Whitecaps wonder kid Alphonso Davies who doesn’t arrive at Sabner Strasse until after the MLS season. There has been surprisingly little activity in the transfer market by Bayern and they did not raid other Bundesliga talent like they usually do. 

Teams who do not build upon what they have usually do not do well the next season. Just as the Chicago Fire. 

4)  Hollywood FC

When Bayern starts losing, the critics come out as they have for Manuel Neuer. Players go to the press and ask for more playing time. Of course, the coach is under pressure. Success is a prerequisite at Bayern. Not just Bundesliga titles, but European Cups as well. They have won six straight titles, but they have had four different managers during that time. If Niko Kovac cannot turn it around, it will well be a fifth in seven. 

5)  History on Dortmund’s Side

As mentioned in another Bundesliga website piece, the last time Bayern were this low or lower in the table, it was 2010 and they were actually 12th after Round 7. Bayern would go on to finish third that year while BVB won the title. With BVB in a purple patch after losing on the opening day of the season, history might end up repeating itself and “die Schwarzgelben” could lift the Meisterschale this season.