Only the double will satisfy Bayern coach Ancelotti

Early elimination in the Champions League quarter-final at the hands of Real Madrid has changed the atmosphere for Bayern Munich and their chief coach Carlo Ancelotti. Winning the German football league and Cup double has become a must for the 57-year-old Italian, and this Wednesday's crunch Cup semi-final against Borussia Dortmund is more of a final.

Winning the double or not will decide how the club and its fans judge the 2016/17 season -- one that again ended without them achieving their big dream of securing Europe's biggest crown. Ancelotti made no secret of his expectations saying the season could only be called good if they clinch the double, reports Xinhua news agency.

Captain Philipp Lahm tried to ease the tension by saying that winning the domestic double would make it a "very good season" and bagging only the league title would mean a good one. Considering Bayern have a top-class squad and the expectations before Ancelotti's arrival, it is clear that the double will be seen as a minimum goal. If he misses out, Ancelotti will be confronted with criticism about his tactical approach and his future plans.

Rumours say there is a hefty debate within the club as to whether Ancelotti is the best man to take Bayern forward especially as they intend to concentrate more on developing youngsters.

Up until now, Ancelotti has mainly relied on experienced players and has neglected younger talent. According to several German media reports, Bayern's management is considering to lure

Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann in the near future as the 29-year-old is regarded as one of the biggest coaching talents in Germany for the last decade. Facing Dortmund in a Cup game will be a major test as the mood at Bayern's opponent is improving after the recent bomb attack -- especially as the perpetrator appears to have been caught by the police. The entire club has expressed great relief after what Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel called "good news" to help the team find its way back to normal life.

While Bayern's mood dipped after a disappointing 2-2 home draw against FSV Mainz 05 in their last league game, Borussia

Dortmund feel a warm wind under their wings as the team can work "on a clear mind knowing about the intentions of the attacker" as coach Tuchel put it.

Dortmund also won their last important

Bundesliga game 3-2 at Borussia Moenchengladbach and they seem to be well on their way to securing a Champions League qualifying third place.

Tuchel expressed the team's growing confidence ahead of the Bayern Cup semi-final. Agencies