FC Bayern is currently not only convincing with results, but above all with an impression that cannot be measured in statistics. Cohesion, mutual appreciation and a tangible sense of unity characterize the team’s appearance. In the Sky podcast„Mia san vier“, it became clear how much these factors have become a decisive X-factor – and why they can hardly be overestimated in sporting terms
Sky reporter Torben Hoffmann knows from his own experience how quickly a team can fail despite its quality if the chemistry is not right. The former professional impressively describes a negative example from his career and deliberately draws a comparison with the current Bayern team. „I have never experienced such poor team chemistry a second time in my entire career,“ says Hoffmann about a previous station – and thus makes it clear how valuable the opposite is
At FC Bayern, the exact opposite can be observed at the moment. „This absolutely pure dressing room is another factor that Bayern are having such a good run at the moment,“ explains Hoffmann. The players‘ behaviour towards each other is particularly noticeable: cheering together, honest joy at the successes of their teammates and a way of dealing with each other that is free of resentment. Scenes such as cheering after Jamal Musiala was substituted or the conscious inclusion of young players are emblematic of this
It is not only the behavior on the pitch that is decisive, but also the inner life of the team. Hoffmann emphasizes that there is currently no group formation at Bayern, no hidden power struggles and no players who put themselves above others. „When a central defender scores a goal, the other central defender is happy – and doesn’t think: But now he kicks more often than me,“ he describes a mentality that has long since ceased to be a matter of course in professional soccer
Character scouting and leadership without volume
Bayern insider Kerry Hau adds another important aspect to this assessment: the composition of the team is no coincidence. At FC Bayern, attention is no longer only paid to footballing quality. „In my view, it is not only important to scout the footballing ability of a player, but also to see how the character fits into the team,“ he explains
A prime example of this is Jonathan Tah. The centre-back embodies precisely the mix of quality, calmness and social skills that is required in a functioning dressing room. „He is now the defensive boss, but not the one who shouts at the young players,“ says Hau, describing situations from training in which Tah deliberately takes young teammates by the hand. Leadership by example instead of loudness – a principle that is becoming more and more prevalent
The coaching team around Vincent Kompany also plays a central role in this. The mixture of clear rules, hard work and a noticeable relaxed attitude has quickly spread to the team. „It’s nothing contrived,“ emphasizes Hau, referring to impressions from everyday training, in which there is a lot of laughter, but also concentrated work
In the end, this creates an overall structure that has an effect beyond individual matches. No envy debates, no stink boots, clear roles and mutual respect – all of this ensures that FC Bayern is currently not just a team, but a cohesive unit. And it is precisely this unit that could make the difference in the decisive phases of the season.