On verge of another German title, Bayern look to future
Düsseldorf (Germany): Besides planning for a record-extending ninth straight Bundesliga title, Bayern Munich has also spent a lot time planning for the future.
Bayern can win yet another title on Saturday even before kickoff against Borussia Mönchengladbach if Borussia Dortmund beats second-place Leipzig earlier in the day. Regardless, a Bayern victory would make certain of the title.
Bayern has been a sure-thing since beating Leipzig last month. Still, a 2-1 loss to Mainz in their last match on April 24 delayed the celebrations.
We rediscovered our hunger in the two weeks where we didn't play, Bayern striker Thomas Müller said.
That gave us time to recover physically and mentally. In the first week of training we had real fun and worked well. So, we are focused on the game.
In the meantime, club management has forged ahead with planning for next season in the wake of Hansi Flick's decision to quit as coach. Flick is favored to take over the German national team after Joachim L w steps down following this year's European Championship.
Instead, Julian Nagelsmann will be joining Bayern from Leipzig to transform Flick's successful but aging team. His five-year contract is unusually long for Bayern and accompanied by a clearout of familiar faces.
David Alaba has been at the club for 13 years but is leaving after Bayern balked at the cost of renewing his contract. Another center back from the 2020 Champions League final, Jerome Boateng, will depart after 10 years in Munich. Defensive midfielder Javi Martinez is off after nine years.
The squad already lacks depth, so much will depend on the quality of replacements.
With the exception of a long-planned move for Leroy San , recent arrivals like right back Bouna Sarr and midfielder Marc Roca were generally underwhelming. That contributed to the tension between Flick and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
Bayern defended Salihamidzic by saying the club couldn't spend more during a pandemic, so blockbuster signings like Dortmund forward Erling Haaland seem
unlikely.
