What does UCL win against Bayer Leverkusen mean for Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich Executives and Vincent Kompany sent out a major statement by eliminating Leverkusen from the Champions League.
Bayern Munich players celebrating after defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich players celebrating after defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. | Christina Pahnke - sampics/GettyImages
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For Bayern Munich

The Board

Whilst some believe that Kompany’s appointment was an act of desperation from Bayern’s top brass, and a move that was destined to fail, former Bayern and Germany living legend, the great - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge would tell you otherwise. The Bayern board only appointed Kompany as coach of Bayern after Rummenigge had a lengthy phone call with none other than Pep Guardiola.

From day one, the Bayern chiefs have backed their Belgian coach, and in not so many words have expressed the opinion that Kompany and Bayern, in their first season together, are pretty much a work-in-progress. Despite the odd hiccup and a spate of injuries, things have progressed quite well. As things currently stand, not even the harshest of critics would justifiably lament Rummenigge’s phone call with Guardiola. The Bayern bosses may not have ticked all the boxes in terms of last summer’s transfer window activity, but they didn’t miss the mark with Kompany’s appointment.

The Players

When it comes to players, many have shown marked improvements in their performances this season compared to last season. One only has to look at the performances of players like Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, and Leon Goretzka, to name a few, to see the difference. Collectively, on the field, the team reflects a joy and passion that was missing under Thomas Tuchel.

There’s still room for improvement on all levels, inclusive of the players, the coach, and the Bayern bosses, but compared to a year ago there is little reason for complaints.  The Bundesliga title is within reach and lifting the Champions League trophy at the end of May at Allianz Arena remains a possibility.