According to “Varzesh3,” Matthias Brügelmann, Bild’s sports editor, analyzed the reasons behind Bayern Munich’s elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan. He recalls that Bild had warned on October 25, 2024, after a 4-1 loss to Barcelona: “If Bayern continues like this, they will watch the 2025 Champions League final in Munich—not at the Allianz Arena, but at home on TV…” And this prediction came true! Bayern was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Inter, the Serie A leaders.

This elimination was very painful for Bayern, revealing many weaknesses even without key players like Neuer, Musiala, Davies, and Upamecano due to injuries. Below is the analysis by Bild’s sports editor:

1. Kompany May Be Talented, But He’s Not Yet a Big Coach!

In the first leg against Inter, Kompany kept Thomas Müller on the bench for 74 minutes, and when he came on, he scored. In the second leg, he ignored Gnabry, who was in top form, and used Sané on the left wing instead, which wasn’t ideal. If Kompany wins the Bundesliga, the board might trust him, but he can’t afford another failed season in the Champions League. His weaknesses in Europe—1-0 against Aston Villa, 4-1 against Barcelona, 3-0 against Feyenoord, 1-1 against Celtic, and 2-1 against Inter—highlight his shortcomings.

2. Bayern Has Lost Its Killer Instinct!

Bayern drew 1-1 in the first leg against Inter but immediately conceded a 2-1 goal. Against Dortmund, they led 2-1 but ended up 2-2. In the second leg against Inter, they led 1-0 but fell behind 2-1 in three minutes. This shaky and inconsistent performance, instead of a winning mentality, is concerning. Bayern has failed to reach any final for five consecutive seasons—neither the German Cup nor the Champions League—showing a lack of quality.

3. Defensive Signings Are More Important Than Wirtz!

The €50 million signing of Kim Min-jae from Napoli in 2023 surprised many. Despite his efforts, Kim remains Bayern’s biggest defensive weakness. Before Bayern’s director, Max Eberl, dreams of attacking signings like Florian Wirtz, he must fix the defense. Bayern conceding goals used to be an exception, but now it’s normal—48 goals in 46 games this season! Maybe trying again for Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen would be worthwhile.

4. Kane Shares Ballack’s Fate!

Yes, he scores many goals and sacrifices for the team, but he symbolizes failure in winning major trophies. Superstars like Kane and Ballack have never won international trophies at club or national level. Is it always just bad luck?

5. Kimmich Was Just a Spectator Against Inter!

Kimmich, the future captain, was merely a spectator in recent games against Inter instead of being a leader. This is strange given his salary! It’s not enough for the standards he and the fans have set. After the defeat, he accurately analyzed the problem: “We’re not in good form; we can’t turn our superiority into positive results.” But he must perform better on the pitch.

Bayern now must maintain their six-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen in five Bundesliga games to secure the title. If they succeed, it’s a respectable achievement! But if Bayern’s board is fooled by this success, they’ll make a big mistake. Continuing like this won’t be enough to return to the top of Europe.