The inner workings of the Bayern dressing room have long been considered a sensitive subject, with coaches often failing due to internal tensions, egos and power struggles. This season, however, FC Bayern – despite their first Bundesliga defeat against Augsburg – are more united than they have been for years. As Sport BILD reports, a clearly defined hierarchy is responsible for this, with one player at the top: Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich has finally developed into the central leadership figure at FC Bayern. The 30-year-old is not only vice-captain, but has long been the captain of the future. On the pitch, he takes responsibility, organises, directs and challenges. Off the pitch, he acts as an interface between the coaching team, the squad and injured players. The fact that Manuel Neuer is naturally further away from the action as goalkeeper has further strengthened Kimmich’s role. His influence is noticeable – and accepted. Kimmich himself describes the inner workings of the team as a real team structure in which everyone is happy for each other. Responsibility is not pressure for him, but motivation
Neuer and Kane: authority through experience and performance
Right behind Kimmich is still Manuel Neuer. The captain is the most experienced player in the squad and a rather quiet leader who makes an impact with his powers of observation and presence. Even though he often works in isolation in everyday training due to the goalkeeping group, he has a keen sense of the moods and dynamics in the club. According to Neuer, the Club World Cup in the USA has welded the team even closer together. His own future is open, but his word still carries weight
Harry Kane, on the other hand, has integrated himself into the management structure in his own way. The Englishman assumes responsibility less through volume than through performance and professionalism. Last season, players like Thomas Müller and Eric Dier helped him arrive, now Kane himself has become a point of reference. He often gives the last speech in the dressing room before games. He is the figurehead externally – and a leader internally by example
Michael Olise’s standing is remarkable. Publicly reserved, the Frenchman is highly regarded internally. His outstanding performances give the team security, especially in tight phases. In the dressing room, he shows humour, but also openly addresses tactical observations. Serge Gnabry has a similarly unifying effect, acting as a communicator between the various groups. He has recognised that responsibility is part of his role, is more present in the media and visibly feels at home in Munich
Jamal Musiala occupies a special position. With the number ten shirt, a top salary and his footballing class, he is a fixture of the future. His return after a long injury break was celebrated by teammates and fans alike – a sign of his high standing throughout the team
New axis in defense and quiet leader
Jonathan Tah has immediately established himself as a leader since his transfer. According to information close to the club, his role in the team council was already assured when he signed his contract. He leads with clarity, not loudness, and gives Dayot Upamecano support on and off the pitch. Upamecano himself is quiet, but highly respected – also because of the way he deals with setbacks. His consistent performances have given him authority
This axis is complemented by experienced forces such as Sven Ulreich, who is hugely important as a mood and motivation factor in the dressing room, as well as mentality players such as Konrad Laimer, who scores with commitment, versatility and good humor
Young players know their place – and benefit from the climate
It is striking how well the young players are integrated. Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic enjoy respect without claiming leadership. They learn, observe and develop in an environment that protects them, but also regulates them when necessary. This is precisely the expression of a functioning dressing room. Even players with less playing time such as Minjae Kim or Hiroki Ito subordinate themselves without grumbling and thus strengthen the collective
FC Bayern is benefiting this season from clear roles, a clean hierarchy and leaders who don’t demand responsibility, but exemplify it. Joshua Kimmich is at the center of this – as an organiser, loudspeaker and emotional focal point. The mixture of experience, performance and character ensures that the dressing room is not only stable, but also has a performance-enhancing effect. This was not a matter of course in Munich for a long time.