Bayern Munich finds themselves on the brink of an eight-point gap behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen following a tumultuous week that saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat against Leverkusen and a surprising 1-0 loss to Lazio in the Champions League last 16 – the first time since 2012 they faced such a setback in the tournament’s opening leg.
In a post-match interview in Rome on Wednesday, England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the team’s challenging spell, emphasizing that they are currently going through a difficult period.
Bayern’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed his frustration and bewilderment over the “huge drop in performance” during the second half of their recent matches.
For loyal Bayern fans, the current statistics are disheartening. Traditionally known for bouncing back after setbacks, the team is grappling with back-to-back losses for the first time since January 2021.
Notably, Bayern was last held scoreless in consecutive matches in 2015, and the recent clash with Lazio saw them fail to register a shot on goal for the first time since a 2019 Champions League draw with Liverpool.
The upcoming match against Bochum, a team Bayern has previously dominated with 7-0 victories in three of their last five meetings, may not be as straightforward as it seems. Despite Bochum sitting in 14th place, they have proven difficult to beat, losing just once at home this season.
Bochum’s record of seven losses is better than every team outside the top six, and they boast a league-high 10 draws.
With Bayern’s hopes of securing a trophy this season diminishing after their elimination from the German Cup by third-tier Saarbruecken, the pressure is mounting on the perennial German champions.
Harry Kane, yet to win a team trophy despite his illustrious career, urged his teammates to put the challenging week behind them and focus on the next challenge, emphasizing the importance of staying in the fight and not giving up.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen faces a potentially tricky task away at promoted Heidenheim, who, despite sitting in ninth, have had a strong top-flight debut campaign, particularly due to their impressive home record.
A player to watch in the coming weeks is Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund, who returned to Germany after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Haller, who battled testicular cancer and spent six months on the sidelines, played a crucial role in Dortmund’s push for the title but missed a penalty on the final day, allowing Bayern to clinch the championship.
Now back in action, Haller is seen as a “celebrated hero” by Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, and the team hopes he brings positive momentum from the tournament.