Are Bayern The Most Complete Team Ever?

Bayern's Evolution Makes Them Most Complete Team in World Football

It was as comprehensive a beating as when Milan defeated Cruyff’s Dream Team in 1994 and perhaps as significant an aftermath as that game. That final in 1994 effectively ending the era of that Barcelona team and of Cryuff’s time as Barca’s coach. It was 4-0 that night, the same result as the Allianz in April 2013. Victor Valdes admitted that "We have been defeated by a great team," and as this article will explain, Bayern are perhaps the most complete teams football has ever seen. 

Once again Bayern Munich have given us a spectacle of football prowess and class. It was not Arsenal this time, or even the Old Lady, this time was supposed to be their biggest test and they made it their most dominant and convincing performance. 

Barcelona, who since 2009 have dominated world football so spectacularly were the gauge of Bayern’s rise to the top of Europe. The verdict is that Bayern have become the top side in Europe. This article will analyse the reasons why and how and what lessons English sides can learn from Bayern’s ascent to the top.

Several years in the making

Two Champions League finals in three years highlighted the fact that Bayern have not just come from nowhere this season. With the potential for a third final in four years it really does show that Bayern are a consistent force in Europe. Yet this is no surprise, Bayern have been laying the foundations for this dominance for years.

Perhaps you can go back to 1998 when Ottmar Hitzfield took over the club and made Bayern one of Europe’s top sides. The 1999 loss to Man Utd was cruel yet the club would win its first Champions League in 25 years in 2001 defeating Valencia. Hitzfeld would win the Bundesliga three years in a row between 1998-2001. He would leave in 2004 due to a poor run of form yet with the failed managerial reigns of Felix Magath.

During Magath’s time Bayern moved from the Olympic stadium into their new state of the art Allianz Arena. It was a time where the ‘new’ Bayern were being born. Hitzfeld returned to help the club after Magath yet failed to get  the team into the Champions League. Although it was a short term loss perhaps the club benefited. In 2007 the club made drastic changes to the squad bringing in players Frank Ribery, Klose and Luca Toni which propelled Bayern back to the top of German football.

Jurgen Klinsmann came in to succeed Hitzfeld after he had stabilised the club once again yet he only lasted a matter of months before he was fired. His coaching methods and style were critiqued by many players. Jupp Heynckes was brought in as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season and helped Bayern achieve a second place finish.

The summer of 2009 saw the arrival of ex-Ajax and Barcelona coach Louis Van Gaal along with the big money signings of Robben and Mario Gomez. The team was being built to dominate European football and Van Gaal came close to winning a first year treble yet lost 3-1 to Mourinho’s Inter in the Champions League final. 

In Van Gaal Bayern had being taught and coached in the style of the Dutch attacking philosophy which produced much attacking flair and creativity. However the following  season Bayern were knocked out in the knockout stages of the Champions League and Van Gaal who was supposed to leave at the end of the season was relieved of his duties earlier in April as Bayern were worried that the side would not qualify for the Champions League.

In came Jupp Heynckes again, this time inheriting a side much better than the one he took caretaker ownership in 2009. This Bayern side had invested in some world class players and were fluent in the coaching methods of Dutch attacking football. What was needed was a defensive minded coach who could make this side not only a great attacking team, yet a defensive powerhouse also. In Heynckes Bayern had a man who was disciplined and organised in his approach and he made the side much more defensively minded.

In his first year Bayern appeared obsessed with winning the Champions League in their own stadium and really should have. However around Christmas of 2011 he was under much pressure from the media and there were reports of unrest with certain players. He managed to salvage the season and although he fell at the last hurdle, he had shown that he was capable of managing this potentially volatile group. 

Whether it was an issue of pressure, mindset or fate for Chelsea to win the Champions League Bayern would end their season coming second in the league, cup and Europe. However the signs were evident, this Bayern team were looking capable of dominating Europe. 

The most complete team in Europe

This season has shown a new Bayern, an ever better model. After years of building the foundations in terms of the stadium, meaning increased revenues, bringing in world class players and the the development of a philosophy which appears as close to perfect as possible.

It is not too far fetched to say that Bayern possess the most complete attacking system in modern football. Many teams have certain styles of playing and will continue to play that way to break teams down. Some play direct football, some play counter attacking football, others use the wings and seek to cross and others play a shorter passing game seeking to control the game. Conceivably Bayern can play every style required to suit the game and to overcome the opposition. 

It is quite remarkable. I have no doubt that different coaches have brought new ideas and styles which the players have adapted to which has enabled this varied approach. Each new coach has added something to the team and given them a new dimension. By keeping the majority of the team together the team has developed to be a complete unit who appear to have mastered all facets of the game both in and out of possession. 

In the game against Barcelona it was evident that Bayern could deal with the threat that the Catalan club provided. The issue with Barca has been their ability to play one way only which although has been dominant and successful has become successful against many sides. Yet perhaps the achilles heel to Barca has been sides who possess strength, height, defensive organisation and the ability to counter at speed. This is why Chelsea have always been a thorn in Barca's side (which is why Guardiola sought out a Drogba type player in 2009). 

The fact that Bayern and Barca have not come across each other in recent years since this tie has been disappointing. It could be argued that Barca have benefited from not coming across Bayern however, because as the game this week showed, Bayern's dominance nullified and punished Barca more than any other team in recent years.

World class quality is key

Although the importance of systems and formations is key, you cannot ignore that the quality of the player is essential. And in this respect Bayern possess some of the best players in world football. World class players like Ribery, Robben and Gomez have arrived to make the attack so ruthless as well the investment in the defence, notably the acquisition of Germany’s No.1 Manuel Neuer, the closest thing to Oliver Kahn German football has seen. This intense and smart investment has meant Bayern have not just added quality but world class quality.

This past summer Heynckes added new additions to add to defensive side of the team. The speedy and skilful centre back Dante was bought to add more dynamism in their defence. In midfield £40m was spent on Javi Martinez to give Bayern a similar player to that of Barca in Busquets. Martinez has added more control, poise and steel in the midfield (he was excellent against Barcelona and nullified Iniesta brilliantly) 

Martinez's arrival has also enabled Schweinsteiger (the converted right midfielder) to control games with his composure and passing quality (Van Gaal should be commended for seeing in Schweinsteiger a controlling central midfielder and moving him to that role during his reign at Bayern).

Yet although Bayern have spent vast amounts on some real quality, their desire and ability to develop their own talent cannot be ignored. Players like Badstuber, David Alaba, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller have all come from Bayern’s youth system. 

In this respect it is a compliment to the club and their ability to develop and nurture talent that they have been willing to build a team based on home grown talent and surround them with world class talent from elsewhere. 

Perhaps it is the key to their success. If we look at teams like Real Madrid and Man City particularly they struggle to achieve this blend and opt to bring  in more foreign players. Does this take away the feeling of bond with the club? Having home grown players who love the club and know the club builds loyalty and bonds with the fans and is the (not so) secret ingredient for Bayern's success.

And what of Barcelona who have gone the other way and seem keen on using only academy players and have struggled to blend in signings effectively which has limited their ability to have variation in their style. 

It is clear that Bayern have achieved an envious balance of quality and youth.

The most important signing?

Yet perhaps it is not on the pitch where Bayern have made the best capture. On top of these players Bayern have made a significant signing, one which you could argue is their most important. Matthias Sammer has been brought in as Bayern’s sporting director. The ex-Dortmund defender was been brought in from the German FA and put on the management board responsible for the playing staff. 

In his previous role as technical director of the German FA he played a big role in the development of Germany’s youth development plan. Sammer is a major coup for Bayern, for his esteemed ability to develop talent and his knowledge as a player, coach and manage makes him an invaluable influence for Munich and one does sense that his presence alone has given Bayern the edge this season.

The concern of last season was that Bayern would fall to complacency again. Yet Sammer has made sure his players do not lose focus or concentration this time and the performances have proven that. He has argued that Bayern should not believe the hype around them and should make sure they play better in future. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the club's cheif executive said: "I really liked what Matthias said We all believe it would be a big mistake, to lull ourselves in. The ongoing praise, the ongoing euphoria - I don't like that."  It is clear that lessons from last season have being learnt. Don't get complacent, don't let confidence turn into arrogance.

 Defensive quality

In the game against Barcelona Heynckes said the team were “tactically brilliant”, in the same way that they played against Arsenal and Juventus earlier. It is evident that Bayern have taken a leaf out of Dortmund’s book this season. They have developed a pressing game which is similar to that of Klopp’s side. It is not like Barcelona’s under Guardiola which was more about full pressing as high up as possible. This is “Gegenpressing” which is a German term for a defensive tactic which involves starting a defensive unit just ahead of the half way line. It has proven very successful for Dortmund, Germany and now Bayern.

Bayern have evolved their game with this tactic and have taught Europe a valuable lesson, learn how to defend and you learn to control games. Last season I felt Bayern outclassed both Real Madrid and Chelsea in this system. They understood it and dominated the midfield areas. It would appear that this season Bayern have perfected this formation even further. Perhaps even more than Dortmund have. 

When watching Bayern play it there is such understanding, organisation and discipline throughout the side that makes it hard to see a weakness. Their work rate, drive, teamwork and determination meant the opposition could not find space and time to breathe yet alone exploit and create goalscoring chances.

The important tactical decision from Heynckes as another obvious one. As more teams play a defensive midfielder/creator he makes sure that he has a player man mark Arteta/Pirlo or Busquets in order to prevent him getting on the ball.

Of course, the option would be to bypass the midfield unit and play into the centre forward. And this is what Bayern did many times to great effect. A lofted pass to Mandzukic's chest would trigger the movement of Muller, Ribery and Kroos who would support and break into Arsenal’s defensive third.

Yet sides like Arsenal, Juve and Barca did not have a strong and commanding centre forward who could bring others in. They could not bypass Bayern with long balls because there was no one to get the ball. When they did try Bayern simply dealt with ease and regained possession. All these sides looked impotent due to Bayern’s tactical quality and their limited options.

Heynckes has coached his side to near perfection in terms of knowing when to press or when to delay. The players restrict space and aim to stop passes going through them and this made Arsenal look like they lacked options or ideas.

Bayern have also showed a great ability to get behind the ball and mark zonally from crosses. They rarely allow any space in the area from crosses which enables them to deal more effectively with them. Their strength both in defending and attacking crosses and set pieces has been a key for their dominance also.

And of course a strong defence enables moments of transition when the team win possession. Bayern's ability to counter with speed and drive with players like Ribery, Robben and Muller must scare defenders. 

The final piece in the jigsaw  

Using the 4-2-3-1 from last season Bayern are a new side this season. Perhaps the final piece of the jigsaw came in the form the Croatain Mario Mandzukic who has enabled Bayern to enhance their defensive game. It is perhaps this facet of Bayern’s game which has made them so effective this season.  Although Mario Gomez scored over 40 goals last season, Mandzukic has improved the side this year and has restricted Gomez’s role as a substitute.

Why is Mandzukic more important to Bayern than Mario Gomez? Because he offers, in a similar way to Lewandowski the ability and dynamism to press when out of possession. This has taken Bayern’s game to a new level. As well as this is Mandzukic ability to play as a central number nine, effectively a target man for others to play off, or as a more roaming forward who pulls wide and creates space for others in central areas. Watching him action last night was a real joy, he offered so much to his side, which was a complete contrast to Arsenal’s number nine.

The difference with simply delaying and knowing when to press has been Bayern’s improvements this year. Whether it is Mandzukic because he is the highest man or whether an opposition player takes a bad touch or their head goes down, you see Bayern react, not as one but as a whole. They pounce on the mistake and press, they force a mistake or better still win the ball back. It was defensive control and Arsenal were completely clueless about how to break it down.

The modern game requires forwards to work hard when defending and Mandzukic really has taken to this role. His ability also to do a dual task of pressing the centre backs and also pressing the defensive midfielder has enabled Bayern to close space and restrict time. His pressure against Pirlo from behind was excellent and it forced the Italian to play quicker or as it happened often, to lose possession.

Can English teams learn a lesson?

Now this article has so far highlighted the importance of various coaches and philosophies that have helped Bayern develop into an all round team. A blend of academy players with world class quality has enabled Bayern to build a team which is genuinely world class in every position. Both in and out of possession the team knows its roles and executes it to perfection as a complete team. There are no players hiding, it is as complete a team as you will see. 

Barcelona’s style was sublime these past few years, a collective unit working together with complete understanding, yet I don’t believe  Barca can do what Bayern can do. Bayern look like a team capable of doing anything necessary to counter the opposition. In a similar way to Arsenal in the early 2000’s, the style of play involve skill, creativity as well as physicality and aerially dominance. 

Can English sides learn from Bayern? Much more so than they can Barcleona. I have spoken before about the dangers of replicating Barcelona. Because certain managers have sought to “replicate” Barcelona they have neglected to consider the importance of understanding the league they are playing in. They are not playing in Spain, thus although having technically efficient footballers is important it also important to have a strong, physical foundation. The top sides have a balance of defensive security, physicality and attacking skill. Look at Mourinho, Ferguson and Mancini, they all understand the league and have built winning sides based on this.

Spain is not England; the leagues are different, as too the politics, the culture and the climate. The Spanish league is a much more technical and the pace of the game is slower and the physicality less so than in England too. Now I would argue that to try to have a side play a “Spanish” way in England is simply nonsensical. By not taking into account the differences between the countries and the style of play each league has, coaches attempting to play like Barcelona are only heading towards failure.

In my opinion Arsene Wenger sought to play the “Barcelona” way from 2003, wanting to play the “Dutch totalfootball” of Rinus Michels. What was required was excellent technicians and tacticians, who possessed the skill to play this type of football and the nous to understand positions, roles, angles and Guardiola’s most popular word, space.  Wenger's decision to change a style which was successful into one where he saw the future of football was going showed a naivety from the Frenchman.  Since his transformation of the side Arsenal have not won anything. I do not believe this is a coincidence.

I remember Villas-Boas talk about Barcelona and how he wished to replicate that in his coaching last summer. At that time I knew it was a flawed concept. His players were simply not ready, prepared or practiced in that style. Trying to make them play that way like switching a light switch showed a complete ignorance and flaw of Villas-Boas’ decision making and immaturity. He had inherited a side which was moulded from the Jose Mourinho era, a side which had achieved so much in eight seasons, playing a style which suited the English league perfectly and being contenders in Europe almost every season. When Chelsea returned to the style of Mourinho they were successful. Coincidence?

Now can talk about philosophies and styles yet the key aspect of Bayern and Dortmund's success, as that of Barcelona's in previous years has been team work. In domestic football some games can be won by individual brilliance or moments of magic yet in Europe the key to success is being a strong collective unit. Look at the failings of Man City and you see the issues and lack of cohesion as a team, especially defensively. Barcelona have stopped working hard off the ball and appear to have put too much expectation on Messi. They have lost their collectivness , something which the two German sides are currently mastering. If English sides want to 'learn' from Bayern then they should look at the way the team plays and works together. 

English teams and coaches should look to Germany and not Spain

Many people now want to play like Spain and Barcelona and of course this is desirable as their football is excellent. Spain’s success has come from addressing the root issues. It involved  improving and educating coaches; educating them to expert level and having them go and work in training centres around the country. This meant it was not a few teams who benefited but every child. Through this, standards improved, players developed more and after 20 years they have a successful national team and football culture whose foundations were built on expert coaching.

In our Academies the level of coaching is average, we require experts in order to lay strong foundations for young players. Spain and Holland have mastered this and their players are unquestionably technically better than ours. It is not rocket science, coaching is the answer.

Nevertheless, as good as Spain are we cannot look to emulate this side. Our cultures do not match, we are not like the Spanish or the Dutch. We can look to improve our coaching like they have done, yet we cannot try to be them, if we do we will fail. It is the German model ofyouth development and values that should underpin our developmentpathways. 

England resembles Germany more than any other country in terms of style, attitude and characteristics.  They have taken their organised, disciplined manner and added guile, creativity, agility and craft.  The new EPPP is a model for better coaching and improved standards, yet it is changes in the Pro game which are required in order to allow potential England players opportunities to gain the experience necessary to improve. Until the governing bodies in England agree and enforce clubs to have more English players in their teams, then the national team will not improve.

Bayern’s next step in their evolution

With Heynckes set to depart and be replaced by Guardiola Bayern are taking another huge step in their evolution. Many are arguing that it will be difficult for Guardiola to enhance this side after this season yet there is no doubt that Bayern will benefit from one of the most tactically brilliant coaches seen in the past decade.

And before we proclaim Bayern as Europe's best side it is important to consider that up to now they are serial runners up. Perhaps they will win it all this year yet Barcelona's acclaim came from continuous successes. This is why Guardiola can be important for the team, he appears a master of winning trophies.  

Guardiola is regarded as one of the world's best coaches, and fans and owners of his new club will expect much from him, and quickly. The problem I see though is that he has only succeeded with a club which was perfect for him his true test will be if he can do this somewhere else. Yet there is no better club for him than Bayern; this is the perfect opportunity for Guardiola. Bayern possess everything which he desires; a great playing staff with a focus on home grown talent, a stable and well structured club and a club with a rich history and prestige. 

He had the choice of any club and he has chosen very wisely. Money was not the objective for a man like Guardiola. He wants more than this, he wants a project that will capture him. He has found that at Bayern. 

Some think that he will try to implement his style from Barcelona with this side. I believe that he used a style at Barcelona which suited the players he had and through it they grew in strength because he played to their strengths. He is an intellectual and clever man and I believe that he will understand what his players at Bayern are capable of and where he can take them in terms of style. 

A team which has been constantly challenging for domestic and European honours for the past several years means Guardiola is inheriting a world class team. His job will be to continue and further their success. 

The signing of Mario Gotze is a masterstroke from Bayern. The most talented German youngster to come out of Germany’s new generation Gotze's skill, speed and creativity makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola and Bayern. They will  be a better team (a worrying thought) with the arrival of Guardiola and Gotze. 

It also means that Dortmund have being weakened in the process which is a concern for their competitiveness with Bayern. However, Guardiola should be cautious of heading towards putting too many ‘little men’ in his team. Bayern are so strong and dominant possessing such physicality and strength while possessing such technical quality that although the ‘little man’ has become an essential part of the modern game, Guardiola should be cautious in trying to ‘reinvent’ Bayern.  Barcelona and Spain’s success these past few years pointed to a ‘smaller’ type of player yet there is no doubt that ‘skilful giants’ possessing superb athleticism and tactical intelligence can overcome the little man when focused and coached expertly.

A battle between philosophies has emerged these past several years,a battle you can argue between Mourinho and Guardiola; the physical giants vs the small technicians. Many have said that Barcelona have conquered the Mourinho style yet Bayern are showing that strong physical players who possess skill and who are coached both in and out of possession can dominate a side like Barcelona with relative ease. Under Heycnkes Bayern have taken the Mourinho philosophy seen with Chelsea and Inter and blended the Dutch attacking style of Van Gaal  while taking the importance of Busquets to create a complete team of technical, tactical and mental brilliance.

What Guardiola’s arrival highlights is that Bayern are constantly seeking to evolve and be one of the leaders in terms of setting the trends of the modern game and being on top of the opposition. No doubt Guardiola will offer something new to the players, Bayern’s fans should just hope that he can convince his players like Heynckes has done and like he did at Barcelona. If so then Bayern could well dominate world football even more impressively than Barca have done.

The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address