Bayern Munich launch their Bundesliga season at VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday, with all eyes on new coach Vincent Kompany as he goals to steer the membership again to the top of German soccer.
The Bavarians, Germany’s document champions and wealthiest membership, have been overshadowed final season by Bayer Leverkusen, who accomplished an unbeaten home league and cup double.
Former Belgium worldwide Kompany, who changed Thomas Tuchel within the dugout, has been working to revive order throughout the Bayern ranks and instill confidence amongst his gamers.
“Last year they had the same quality in the team, but communication between the coach and players was not perfect,” former Bayern and Germany captain Lothar Matthaus advised a world media roundtable earlier this week.
“Bayern means ‘we are a family,’ and this we have to live by day after day. Kompany is the coach who can bring that atmosphere back to the team.”
Bayern spent round 100 million euros ($111 million) to signal winger Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
They additionally acquired defender Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart to strengthen a backline that leaked targets throughout final season’s trophy-less run.
“I have a positive feeling regarding this team, which seems inspired and ready to attack once more,” mentioned Bayern sports activities director Max Eberl.
But Leverkusen, who’ve largely stored their squad intact and retained coach Xabi Alonso, won’t merely roll over.
Their never-say-die angle was evident once more on Saturday after they scored a late equalizer within the German Supercup in opposition to VfB Stuttgart earlier than profitable the title on penalties.
“They have less pressure in Leverkusen than Munich this season,” mentioned Matthaus. “Leverkusen don’t have to win. Bayern, after their last two seasons, not only have to win but also have to perform well. That is pressure.”
Leverkusen formally open the Bundesliga season with Friday’s sport at Borussia Monchengladbach.
For final season’s shock runners-up VfB Stuttgart, it should probably be a harder experience than their earlier marketing campaign, having misplaced Ito to Bayern and high scorer Serhou Guirassy and defender Waldemar Anton to Borussia Dortmund.
The arrivals of Germany internationals Anton, Pascal Gross, and Maximilian Beier might restore Dortmund’s credentials as title contenders, although they must hope Guirassy fills the hole left by Niclas Fullkrug following his departure to West Ham United.
Source: www.dailysabah.com