The Bundesliga kicks off again this weekend, and FC Bayern have ambitious goals. "We want to be German champions again, and we must catch up again for that," Joshua Kimmich stressed at the training camp in Doha. The fans have reason to be optimistic as FC Bayern's record in recent years is a good omen.
The German record champions have been the best team of the second half in all of the last four campaigns. In 2015/16, the men from Munich were eight points clear of Borussia Dortmund during the winter break and finished ten points ahead to claim the title. One year later RB Leipzig were three points short of Bayern at the midpoint of the season, but the Bavarians extended their lead to 15 points thanks to an impressive second half of the season. In 2017/18 Bayern collected nine points more than the second-best team of the second half of the season, finishing 21 points ahead. And last season Bayern were six points short of Dortmund during the winter break, but caught up with the Ruhr valley outfit and finished two points ahead to celebrate their seventh championship title in a row.
FC Bayern travelled to face closest pursuers RB Leipzig on the second-last matchday of the 2016/17 season. Bayern had already sealed the title, but both teams gave it everything, Arjen Robben scoring the winner after a fine solo in injury time.
If Kimmich & Co. pick up where they left off, they have good chances of defending their title. They are currently four points short of the leaders. Sunday's Bundesliga reopener away to Hertha BSC is decisive, according to Kimmich. "The start to the second half is crucial, we must be alert," said the Germany international.
Bayern worked hard and completed up to three sessions per day in Doha, laying the foundations for a successful second half.
The two sides ahead of Bayern have yet to play at the Allianz Arena this term. "We'll take on all teams that are ahead of us at home. The championship title is realistic, and it's our clear goal," a confident Leon Goretzka said. Bayern entertain table-toppers RB Leipzig in February before taking on Borussia Mönchengladbach in Munich on Matchday 31. Bayern are fired up for the second half!
Bayern are primed for the second half of the season after the Doha training camp, according to coach Hansi Flick 👇
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