Although FC Bayern picked up another three points with a 2-1 win at SV Elversberg, the club’s leadership wasn’t truly satisfied with the performance. The record champions’ first 60 minutes, in particular, drew criticism. Sporting director Max Eberl subsequently sent a clear message to the team.
Bayern struggled for a long time against the newly promoted team and failed to translate their individual superiority onto the field. It wasn’t until Maurice Krattenmacher’s spectacular equalizer that Vincent Kompany’s team stepped up the intensity. Harry Kane ultimately scored the winning goal.
For Eberl, the match served as a clear warning. “The lesson is that things can get really dangerous if we let our guard down even a little. The game showed that—whether it’s Elversberg, Dortmund, or Real Madrid—we have to push ourselves to the limit in every game,” the 52-year-old explained after the match.
This statement shows that, despite the victory, the record champions don’t intend to simply carry on as usual.
Eberl is intensifying the competition
In particular, the starting lineup—which featured changes in seven positions—is likely to have given the Bayern bosses pause for thought. Kompany is deliberately relying on more rotation this season. For the players, however, this does not mean that their playing time is guaranteed.
Eberl made it clear that every professional must prove himself anew: “We have a very balanced roster and a competitive environment. Everyone has to reach their peak level in every game to be on the field again in the next one.”
In doing so, the sporting director is ramping up the pressure. The frequent rotations are intended to give players opportunities, but they must also make the most of those chances.
Kompany, too, was dissatisfied with the team’s performance for long stretches. “Our pace wasn’t good. And in the one-on-one battles, we weren’t as sharp as we usually are,” the Bayern coach criticized.
It wasn’t until Krattenmacher’s equalizer in the 61st minute that a clear reaction became apparent. The Munich team played more aggressively, increased the pace, and applied significantly more pressure.
“Suddenly, we were lively.”
Eberl noticed this difference immediately. “After the 1-1 tie, we stepped it up a notch. Suddenly we were lively—the counter-pressing was there, the aggressiveness was there. But when you step it up, you might have been a touch off before that,” explained the sporting director.
Winning goal scorer Kane also highlighted the impact of the substitutes. “No matter who starts or comes off the bench, everyone has to be ready to give 110 percent. You saw that today when the guys came on. We had more energy, were more direct in one-on-one situations, and had significantly more chances toward the end,” said the Englishman.
For Kompany, this very competition could become a key factor in the coming weeks. The Bayern coach wants to spread the workload across as many players as possible and keep his entire squad happy.
Eberl’s message is unmistakable: rotation doesn’t automatically guarantee playing time. Whoever gets their chance has to deliver—otherwise, the next Bayern star is already waiting to take their spot.