Style of play
Niko Kovac was under immense criticism during his 18-month stay in Bavaria despite delivering a domestic double in the debut season. When results were good, the criticism was about the style of play as Die Roten was not playing an attractive style of football under him.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has also previously insisted that Bayern should be winning silverware in style by playing an attractive brand of football. Results are important and, Kovac was able to achieve that at least in his first season. He probably deserved a little bit more time, but the industry is ruthless, and a big club such as Bayern wants good football and trophies at the same time.
Flick has passed the test of implementing good football as Die Roten has been playing an attractive style of football in the last couple of months. The team is ruthless in the final third and give opponents no chance to get back in the game. Most importantly, the intensity in pressing has gone two-three levels up, which eventually translates into big wins.
The German manager has managed to get the team playing this football for a brief period. The next step is to make sure that a similar level of performance is maintained throughout the season. There will be an occasional slump in form, but the style of football cannot be compromised.