Recent club struggles have provoked many bold comments from Bayern Munich players and executives. Are we witnessing the return of FC Hollywood?
It’s no secret that Bayern Munich are not at their absolute best. Since hiring Carlo Ancelotti, the club seems to have only regressed and many fans are beginning to doubt the Italian’s ability to manage die Roten.
An upset raumdeuter
The fans aren’t the only people displaying their unhappiness; players are expressing their frustration as well. After Bayern’s narrow win against Werder Bremen a few weeks back, Thomas Muller hit out at Carlo Ancelotti. The raumdeuter featured as a late-game substitute and helped Robert Lewandowski complete his brace.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Muller bemoaned his manager’s decision to leave him out of the starting XI. “I don’t know exactly which qualities the coach wants to see. But mine seem not to be 100 percent in demand,” Muller lamented (via Fox Sports).
Featuring in his 400th game with his boyhood club, Muller was hardly effective in Bayern’s 2-0 loss to Hoffenheim over the weekend. It was yet another example of Carlo Ancelotti’s inability to bring out the best in the rekordmeister’s only remaining Bavarian star. This has even led to speculation that Muller could be on his way out of Munich sooner rather than later (don’t worry — that’s not happening).
However, to the surprise of nobody, Muller is clearly unhappy with his current situation at Bayern Munich. The German has never caused a fuss in the locker room. But being one of the world’s top players and once again finding his form, he does have a fair case to ask for more playing time.
Lewandowski the critic
Thomas Muller is not the only player who is causing a stir in the dressing room. Robert Lewandowski too has made known his displeasure with the club.
Speaking with German media outlet Spiegel Online, the Pole hit out at Bayern’s summer transfer policy.
"“Bayern have to think something up and be more creative if the club wants to attract a world-class player to Munich. If you want to play on the front foot, you need the quality players.“To date, Bayern has never paid more than around 40 million euros for a player. In international football, that has long since been a figure which is only average, rather than at the top.”"
Lewandowski — an absolute world-class player who ironically came to Bayern on a free transfer — held nothing back in his interview. He clearly feels the club must be willing to pay exuberant fees for superstars.
I wonder how James Rodriguez feels about his new teammate’s comments, considering many believe the Colombian to be a real superstar. Surely Lewandowski’s complaint about a lack of talent being brought in to Munich doesn’t do much to boost James’ confidence.
The club fires back
It did not take long for Bayern Munich to comment back upon their forwards’ recent complaints. Speaking with Bild, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reprimanded Lewandowski for his criticism against the club.
"“Clearly Robert has been affected by the PSG transfers. Nevertheless, he is employed by us as a footballer and earns a lot of money. I regret his comments. Anybody who criticises the trainer, the club or his teammates will immediately be in trouble with me personally.”"
Kalle later added that Lewandowski’s comments were likely inspired by his agent, who has been the source of trouble on more than one occasion. The Bayern CEO did not only speak out against the club’s Polish striker, however. He also had something to say about Muller’s recent complaints.
"“What Muller said against the coach in Bremen was also not okay. We need more efficiency and seriousness again. Dissatisfaction with being on the bench is okay, but no public criticism of the coach will be tolerated.”"
Rummenigge is not the only one upset with Lewandowski’s recent comments. Bayern Munich legend Stefan Effenberg also expressed disappointment with the player.
"“On the one hand, he [Lewandowski] attacks the philosophy of the club. [President] Uli Hoeness has already said several times that they will not pay these transfer fees of €100 or €150 million.“He also attacked his colleagues, who in his opinion apparently do not have the quality to win what he hunts: the Champions League.“I myself said a few weeks ago that FC Bayern is in danger of losing touch with Paris or Barcelona if it is not willing to pay these sums.“But: Lewandowski is a player – in this role, he should consider such statements well and express them internally.”"
Unfortunate timing
Bayern Munich are treading a little too close to recreating the days of FC Hollywood. A few player comments here and there are common for most clubs, but consistent feuds between players and the club are never a good thing.
Over the past few months, Robert Lewandowski has spoken out against his employers more often than the club is comfortable with. Thomas Muller — a fan favorite and the proverbial face of his club — is upset as well and uncharacteristically hitting out against his manager.
Sure, these recent comments are being slightly blown out of proportion. Yes, Lewandowski said some things in his interview that he perhaps should not have said, but his comments were largely directed at soccer as a whole, not just Bayern Munich.
Similarly, the defeat to Hoffenheim over the weekend only adds to the growing uncertainty fans have about Carlo Ancelotti’s ability as Bayern Munich manager. In fact, much of the drama can probably be traced back to that root cause.
In reality, Bayern Munich’s summer transfer business was among the best in all of Europe. They spent minimum funds, yet still brought in several fantastic signings. One of which is among the world’s very best players, James Rodriguez.
However, it’s not often players like Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski speak out so openly about their club. And when they do, it’s generally a sign things aren’t going so great behind the scenes.
Next: Bayern Munich begin Champions League campaign against Anderlecht
If over the next few weeks Carlo Ancelotti can prove that he is capable of effectively leading this Bayern Munich squad then all these comments will surely blow right over. But if nothing changes and the squad continues to falter in important matches then things will only get worse. For now Bayern Munich are okay, but we could be on the brink of FC Hollywood’s return.