Things aren’t going as planned for FC Bayern right now. Following the 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg and the 3-3 tie at Viking Stavanger, criticism of the German record champions is mounting. In particular, recurring defensive errors are sparking debate. Former national team goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has now put forward a surprising theory and has also held coach Vincent Kompany accountable.
On the Sky program “Triple – der Hagedorn-Fussballtalk,” the 56-year-old criticized, above all, the way Munich has been conceding goals recently.
“They often make the same mistakes over and over again. That’s unusual at this level,” Lehmann explained.
In fact, Bayern slept through the opening stages against both Augsburg and in Stavanger. In both matches, Kompany’s team fell behind early and then had to play catch-up.
Lehmann sees a communication problem at FC Bayern
For Lehmann, the recent defensive problems are nothing new. “Last year in the Champions League, when it really mattered, they also made these mistakes—the kind you shouldn’t make if you want to win,” emphasized the former Arsenal goalkeeper.
His conclusion was clear: “If you defend well, you win.”
What’s particularly noteworthy, however, is where Lehmann suspects the root cause of the recurring mistakes lies.
The former national team player spoke of a “communication problem” within the team and also called out Kompany. “As a coach, I have to lead by example because the players aren’t talking to each other,” Lehmann explained.
In doing so, the 56-year-old is calling into question, of all things, one of the skills for which the Bayern coach has been particularly valued since taking office.
Kompany is facing some crucial weeks ahead
Within the club, Kompany is regarded as a coach with strong communication skills who combines clear guidance with a close relationship with his players.
The Belgian also has a successful track record on the field. Since joining the Munich club in the summer of 2024, he has led them to two German championships and one DFB Cup title.
In the Champions League, Bayern reached the quarterfinals and then the semifinals under his leadership. In the fall of 2025, his contract was extended early through 2029.
Nevertheless, recent performances show that Kompany currently has some issues to address. The focus is particularly on defensive stability and concentration in crucial situations.
The next challenging opponent, RB Leipzig, awaits as early as Saturday. A few days later, Arsenal will visit Munich for a Champions League match.
By then at the latest, it will become clear whether Bayern can put an end to their recurring mistakes.