Munich (dpa) – During the climb in the complex premier class table, Max Eberl pointedly pointed out FC Bayern’s new seal of quality. “Defense wins titles, offense wins games,” said the sports director in the catacombs of the stadium where the Munich team wants to play in the home final on May 31st. “We won games offensively. Now we are in the process of playing a really, really good stretch without conceding a goal.”
The 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain was the seventh game in a row without conceding a goal and not only pointed the way to a direct ticket to the round of 16 in the Champions League. The narrow but confident success also brought further momentum for the prestigious German Clásico against Borussia Dortmund and the cup clash against double winners Bayer Leverkusen. As a symbol of Munich’s great defensive enthusiasm, central defender Minjae Kim came into focus after his winning goal with a header.
Kim: “I love him”
“I’m very proud,” said Kim after his first goal in the Champions League. The defensive giant “naturally” sees chances for his star ensemble to win the premier class title. With a shy look, the South Korean politely distributed praise to his colleagues despite his joy at what he considered to be his best performance in the Bayern jersey. Especially to Dayot Upamecano, who has also strengthened. “Dayo, I love him,” Kim said.
The 28-year-old Kim, signed by SSC Napoli for 45 million euros in the summer of 2023 as a much-vaunted defensive monster, is undergoing a remarkable transformation under coach Vincent Kompany. The South Korean international started a difficult first season in Munich after his military service and struggled with form after taking part in the Asian Cup in the winter. In the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, Kim was dismissed as “too greedy” by Kompany’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel. Now it is increasingly turning from a risk factor into a success factor.
Kompany’s inkling of success
«I saw from day one that our strikers didn’t want to play against our defenders in training. “That’s always a good sign,” said Kompany. For defenders, in contrast to offensive players, it sometimes takes 10 to 15 games before they receive public recognition, said Kompany, who was once an outstanding central defender at Manchester City.
The Belgian relied on Kim from the start and trusted him. Like Eberl, who vehemently defended Kim and Upamecano after the 4-1 defeat at FC Barcelona. “It’s just nice that Minjae is crowning his really excellent recent performances,” said the sports director after the victory over PSG, which ultimately had to play outnumbered after the yellow-red for ex-Dortmunder Ousmane Dembélé.
Eberl names the key to success
Paris is threatened with an early exit after the league phase with just four points. FC Bayern, where Leon Goretzka, who had been left out at the start of the season, was once again in the starting line-up, made up further ground with their third win in their fifth game. “I don’t look at the table because I don’t understand the table yet,” said Kompany about the reformed elite league. Three wins against Donetsk (A), Rotterdam (A) and Bratislava (H) should follow.
“The key was patience, conviction and community on the pitch,” summarized Eberl. In Bayern’s triumphant years, such defensive stability was a crucial title virtue, for example when the offensive free spirits Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben suddenly showed unexpected defensive qualities in the club’s first treble year in 2013. The resulting Champions League triumph at London’s Wembley Stadium was the highlight of the duel with BVB on Saturday.
Müller causes laughter
“Dortmund was my biggest rival within Germany and we are therefore looking forward to the classic,” said Thomas Müller. The 35-year-old caused laughter when he explained the past tense he chose. «Most of my career is behind me. So I would say that when I look back, Dortmund was always at the forefront. But hey, that’s a good attempt. I won’t continue the tip any further. You can interpret that however you want.” In the Bundesliga table, Borussia is only in fifth place, ten points behind.
The Munich team’s future plans with midfield boss Joshua Kimmich leave no room for interpretation. He has been chosen as Manuel Neuer’s successor as captain and, alongside Jamal Musiala, will be a face of FC Bayern for the coming years. “We are ready that if he says yes, we will finally get it over the table,” said Eberl. «The contract is expiring. Josh can now decide: Would he like to go on another big adventure? Or does he want to become another legend at Bayern Munich?”
