FC Bayern are dominating the Bundesliga at will. Vincent Kompany’s team have built up an eleven-point lead over Borussia Dortmund. Even BVB no longer believe they can compete with FC Bayern for the title
FC Bayern are marching unwaveringly towards defending their title. With their 8:1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg, the Munich side have impressively underlined their supremacy in the Bundesliga and extended their lead over rivals Borussia Dortmund to a whopping eleven points. Even more remarkable than the standings themselves, however, is the mood at their closest rivals. BVB seem to have already lost faith in a real title race
Kovac recognizes Bayern’s special position
While Bayern set off a firework display in attack on Sunday evening, Dortmund were once again held to a 3-3 draw in Frankfurt. Points that are sorely lacking in the championship battle – even if that battle no longer exists from Dortmund’s perspective anyway. BVB coach Niko Kovac had unusually clear words at the matchday press conference ahead of the home game against Werder Bremen
„We can’t challenge Bayern, I think everyone can see that,“ the former Bayern coach openly declared. Kovac referred not only to the Bundesliga table, but also to Munich’s international performance. „Bayern are not only top of the Bundesliga table, but also at the top of the Champions League. That means this team is in a class of its own, which is currently unrivalled anywhere else in the Bundesliga.“
It is a statement that seems like a capitulation – and at the same time reflects reality. FC Bayern is currently playing in a league of its own, both in sporting and economic terms
BVB sets other goals – Bayern outpaces the competition
Kovac made no secret of the fact that the structural differences between the two clubs are enormous. „Ultimately, we know where FC Bayern buys and where we buy. That’s just the way it is. We all have to accept that,“ said the 52-year-old. A sober assessment that makes it clear why the record champions are gaining ground year after year
BVB have long since adjusted their objectives accordingly. Instead of talking about the title, Dortmund are primarily concerned with damage limitation and planning security. „I said at the start of the season that we want to secure a place in the top four as quickly as possible,“ emphasised Kovac. Champions League qualification is the declared minimum target – more does not seem realistic at the moment
In Munich, these statements are likely to be met with a shrug of the shoulders. FC Bayern is doing its job, collecting records and points in passing and also benefiting from the slip-ups of the competition. An eleven-point lead before the end of the first half of the season is a clear signal – and leaves little doubt as to where the championship trophy will go this season.