Bayern Strikes
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Takeaways as Bayern Munich ease past Freiburg

By Joshua Bishop

MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Robert Lewandowski (L) of Bayern Muenchen scores his teams 3rd goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Sport-Club Freiburg at Allianz Arena on June 20, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Robert Lewandowski (L) of Bayern Muenchen scores his teams 3rd goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Sport-Club Freiburg at Allianz Arena on June 20, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) /
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Javi Martinez, Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Javi Martinez, Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) /

Javi Martinez’s time at Bayern Munich is coming to an end

When Bayern lost the 2012 Champions League final, the team knew they needed to invest. Former coach Jupp Heynckes knew exactly what they needed, and that was midfielder Javi Martinez. Javi has been a great player for the team and should go down as a club legend.

Over the past couple of years, though, his skills have started to fade, and lack of pace started to become the weakness opponents targetted. The Spaniard has also consistently struggled with injuries. He is no more even a second choice option in midfield and defense due to the performances of other players.

This match was his first start in some time, showing rustiness in his performance. His passes were often misplaced, and quickness on the ball was lacking. The Spaniard made two mistakes in one passage of play that led to Freiburg’s goal. First, he tried to clear the ball from the touchline and whiffed, sending it straight to an opposing player. Then he was late in getting back into the defensive shape allowing the attacker to be onside, who squared the ball for Soler for a simple tap-in. It was hard to watch a player of this caliber and reputation play so poorly.

There are rumors that Martinez could leave Bayern at the end of the season. If he wants game time, that would be the smart decision. He will always be remembered by Bavarians as a midfield warrior who put in several heroic performances for Die Roten, but as of right now, his time should be up in Bavaria.