Thomas Müller can still do it. Could a season start any better than with this realisation? Hardly.
The 34-year-old caught the eye on Friday evening with his two goals and one assist in the 4-0 win away at Ulm. His dance in front of the fans in the Donaustadion after the final whistle was also truly impressive.
“With the glamor of old to the cup final,” was the slogan on a banner as part of a remarkable choreography by Bayern supporters. They also displayed portraits of legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Stefan Effenberg.
A great atmosphere in the stands for the Reds, happy faces among the players after reaching the second round of the DFB Cup. The will discover their opponent on 1 September.
“Some people don't believe it, but I feel really good, not just physically, but also with the boys - it's really fun at the moment. Of course, it always feels good when you score. But it's not about individuals, it's about the success of the team,” summed up Müller, who immediately recognised an improvement compared to last season: ”If you look at how we work against the ball, you can already see a difference. There was a completely different energy on the pitch, and that nips our opponents' hopes in the bud.”
It's also a small part of our new coach Vincent Kompany's signature. Physical presence, determination in tackles. It is no secret that the former central defender attaches great importance to a physical style of play.
Kompany positive
His summary: “I'm happy with the team. We got off to a good start and I'm pleased that we kept a clean sheet. In this game, it was important that we won the duels and the second balls. Our finishing was also good.” In addition to Müller, substitutes Kingsley Coman and Harry Kane also got on the scoresheet late on.
Bayern moved the ball quickly throughout the game, with 77 percent possession in the end. The balance of power was also reflected in the number of touches in the opposition penalty area. Bayern had 36 of them, compared to just nine for Ulm.
“The opponents were overpowering,” said SSV coach Thomas Wörle. The attackers rotated diligently up front and benefited from the fact that dangerous balls kept getting behind Ulm's back like.
A title-less season leaves its mark, and the motivation to make up for it quickly was evident in every FCB player. “The players are keen to show something,” Kompany also recognised.
The skills of newcomer Michael Olise, who won a silver medal with France at the Olympic Games, were also evident. Shortly after coming on as a substitute, he made a powerful run down the right-hand side and provided the assist for Coman's goal. “All the lads who came on did well. Michael also did very well. We'll need that this season,” said Kompany, looking ahead.
Attentions turn to Bundesliga
What remains in the memory are many promising moves against Ulm. They set a positive tone for 25 August, when the Bundesliga season begins with an away match against Wolfsburg. Before that, there will be a final endurance test on Tuesday at the FC Bayern Campus with a friendly against Grasshopper Club Zürich.
“We're playing around 30 games over the next few months. All the players are important,” emphasised Kompany, who was always active in the coaching zone, communicating and directing a lot.
The first step has been taken for the new season. Bayern will face some hurdles, but the hunger for success is as strong as ever.
Reaction to the win in Ulm:
