Bayern Munich hierarchy concerned about leadership in first team

The Bundesliga campaign for Bayern Munich has been fairly decent until now. They have been delivering good performances and getting good results until last Saturday. Considering the good form of the team, it was a major shock to suffer a 5-1 defeat away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayern looked well off the pace in Frankfurt, while the hosts were very efficient in the final third. It was Die Roten’s first league game in two weeks since the game against Union Berlin on matchday 13 was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Munich. Frankfurt looked much sharper on and off the ball, which eventually contributed to their victory.

The hierarchy at Bayern were much more appalled by the lack of leadership on the pitch when the going got tough against Frankfurt. According to Bild (need subscription), Bayern chiefs believe there will be a leadership issue in the long run once Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller hang up their boots.

There is a good chance that Muller and Neuer will bring the curtains down on their illustrious career at the end of next season. Both players want to play at the top level at least until 2025. Bayern need to identify the players that can become the leaders in the dressing room after the experienced German duo retire from football.

The report from Bild also insists that Bayern chiefs will assess the complete squad in the summer from a leadership point of view. The Bavarian club may also look to sign players who can instantly become leaders on and off the pitch.

Four players under spotlight after Frankfurt debacle

Bild has revealed that Bayern hierarchy will keep a close eye on Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Alphonso Davies, and Serge Gnabry from a leadership point of view.

Kimmich and Goretzka were considered successors of the senior leaders in the squad. However, Tuchel’s doubts about them working as a pairing on the pitch have led to speculation about their future in the last ten months. The German coach still wants a number six despite Kimmich consistently admitting that he is a holding midfielder. Goretzka has managed to win over Tuchel this season, but there are still doubts over his long-term future at the club.

Gnabry and Davies could become candidates for sale in the summer. The German winger has struggled with injuries and form this season. The arrival of Bryan Zaragoza from Granada next summer will provide more competition to Gnabry in the squad.

Meanwhile, Davies has also witnessed a dip in his performances over the past few weeks. The Bavarian club is facing complex negotiations with Davies over a new deal. If they fail to reach an agreement over a new deal, Davies will be sold in the summer, with Real Madrid showing concrete interest.

Bild also reports that Bayern will look to sign a leadership-type defender to strengthen the central defense. Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo is a prime target, but it is a difficult deal to complete. The summer window will be eventful for Die Roten if the club chiefs plan an upheaval in the squad to address leadership problems.