Bayern Munich's recent performances under Vincent Kompany's leadership have raised questions about the team's true potential, despite maintaining their position atop the Bundesliga. The German giants secured their progression to the Champions League round of 16 with a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Celtic, courtesy of Alphonso Davies' 94th-minute equalizer.
The Athletic's Sebastian Stafford-Bloor reports that while Bayern have been "good enough," their performances have left much to be desired. The team has shown contrasting forms this season, professionally handling Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory at Allianz Arena, yet suffering a concerning 3-0 defeat to Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
Bayern's vulnerability in transition has become increasingly apparent, with Celtic exposing this weakness throughout their recent encounter. The Scottish side managed to create three dangerous opportunities within the first 15 minutes, highlighting Bayern's struggles when losing possession against teams capable of quick, vertical movement.
The atmosphere at Allianz Arena has notably shifted. When Nicolas Kuhn's goal made it 2-2 on aggregate, there was a palpable tension among supporters - a stark contrast to the previous unwavering confidence in Bayern's home dominance. Even Davies' eventual winner couldn't fully dispel the concerns about the team's current form.
The partnership between Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala has yet to reach its full potential, with both players performing below their usual standards. Kane's precautionary substitution at half-time against Celtic further complicated matters, while the midfield pairing of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in a double pivot has proven problematic.
Despite these challenges, Kompany's tenure has shown signs of progress. Bayern maintains an eight-point lead in the Bundesliga and advanced in the Champions League, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Leverkusen in the next round. However, as Stafford-Bloor notes, the team "needs some ego and cohesion - fast" if they hope to make a serious impact in the latter stages of Europe's premier competition.
The club appears healthier and more stable compared to last season's third-place finish, but recent weeks have seen a quiet decline in form that threatens to undermine their Champions League ambitions. With crucial matches ahead, Bayern must address their attacking precision and defensive transitions to compete at the highest level.
