Bayern Munich appoint Jupp Heynckes: What does this mean for the club?

3. Defensive stability

One of the most welcomed implications of Heynckes’ return has to be the defensive stability he’s set to bring with him. Ever since his last departure, defensive frailty has become an unfortunate associate of Bayern Munich.

Specifically when asked to deal with counter-attacks, Bayern’s star-studded defense simply cannot stop leaking goals. Fortunately their offense usually makes up for it in the Bundesliga. In the Champions League, however, the Bavarians susceptibility to the counter has been exposed on multiple occasions.

This has become particularly true under Carlo Ancelotti. If the issue was bad under Pep, it has only worsened since the Italian took charge.

But that is all about to change. At least if history is any indicator. As previously discussed, Heynckes’ Bayern was tactically astute, especially in the defensive third. They conceded a meager 18 goals during the historic ’12-13 campaign.

That’s not because they parked the bus either. They finished that season only two goals shy of breaking the century mark. To play such an attacking brand of soccer but concede so few goals is truly an impressive feat. If Bayern are to be successful at all throughout the course of this season, one of the first items on Jupp’s agenda must be whipping that defense into shape.