Defence, pressing, coaching team: What makes Bayern so strong in 2025

The first trophy in the first competitive match of the season, impressive friendlies in a short pre-season, and a team that are hungry for titles and in harmony with their coach: after the triumph over VfB Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, fcbayern.com delights in strong early form and looks forward to the start of the season, in which at least the following six takeaways raise hopes of a successful year for FC Bayern:

1. Neuer rolling back the years

Manuel Neuer is proving once more why, even at the age of 39, he’s still one of the best goalkeepers in the world – as he did against Stuttgart. In his 11th Supercup appearance, the five-time World’s Best Goalkeeper made the difference on a number of occasions. “He’s in really, really good form,” praised sporting director Christoph Freund. “There's a reason he's been the best goalkeeper in the world for years and he’s in super form.”

Whether it was his strong saves at critical moments or his decisive intervention when Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling was about to equalise just before it was 2-0, Neuer always showed composure, vision, positioning and, above all, breathtaking reflexes. His outstanding performance was not only a defensive bulwark that gave his teammates enormous confidence at all times, but also laid the foundation for the eventual 2-1 victory. On top of that, Neuer repeatedly provided impetus in the build-up play.

2. Defensive stability

The central defence of Bayern are increasingly shining in full harmony. Dayot Upamecano has cast off any uncertainties and together with the experienced Jonathan Tah, they’re becoming a well-attuned, aggressive pairing. Especially in their work against VfB danger man Nick Woltemade, it was clear that their partnership is growing all the time. With precise positioning, instinctive reading of the opposition’s actions and resolute tackling, they will make it difficult for every attack to even initiate dangerous moves. This defensive stability has given Bayern tremendous security up to now and made it possible to strategically build up from the back. They’ve both been supported by the tireless Konrad Laimer and the calm and consistent Josip Stanišić in the full-back positions.

3. Perfected pressing

Already in the first minute of this showdown, Bayern showed that they weren’t leaving anything to chance. As usual, the front line of attack led the aggressive, well-oiled press again in Stuttgart and pulled their team-mates along with them. In their closing down, they pushed the opponents deep into their own half, put them under huge pressure and frequently gained possession in dangerous areas this way, because all the possible options were closed off. This aggressive high pressing not only gave Stuttgart barely any room to breathe and provided the basis for numerous quick Bayern attacks in the Supercup; it was a clear statement that Bayern dominate every phase of play. 

4. Strong transitional play

The transition from defence to attack is also working seamlessly. Joshua Kimmich, alongside either Aleksandar Pavlović or Leon Goretzka, acts as the steadfast playmaker in midfield – always assured in possession and with a fine sense for the perfect chipped ball, which often opens up the crucial gap in the opposition defence. Kimmich switches play when it’s necessary, picks up the pace when needed and also slows it down when he deems it right. From that, deadly waves of attack often arise, as they did against Stuttgart, and it’s not always individual performances that have to be decisive. Michael Olise doesn’t just score but also sets up a lot of goals – against Stuttgart for example, with his cross into the middle for Harry Kane. And Serge Gnabry’s delivery provided the assist for the second goal.

Meanwhile, the scorer of that goal, summer signing Luis Díaz, is fitting into Bayern’s system better and better with his pace, skill and fitness. With lightning-fast bursts of speed, he regularly tears holes in the opposition's defence, wins free kicks and penalties with his dribbling, and creates excellent goalscoring opportunities for himself. Against Stuttgart, he finally scored his first goal for Bayern.

Up front, Kane’s always looking for his chances as well – which he then clinically converts, as he did for the opening goal. This dynamic switching from defence to attack underlines the team’s tactical nous and offensive power, with only the chance conversion leaving room for improvement so far.

5. Quality from the bench

It’s not just in the starting XI where the quality has already been clear to see, but also on the bench. Players like Tom Bischof, Minjae Kim or the versatile Raphaël Guerreiro as well as promising talents such as Lennart Karl and Jonah Kusi-Asare are bringing fresh impetus into the game, especially when the physical intensity starts to have an effect. With effort and commitment, they frequently manage to open up gaps, build additional pressure and have a positive impact on the game. This depth is crucial to Bayern being capable of adding quality. And then there are still Hiroki Ito, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala waiting to make their comebacks.

6. The coaching team

Last but not least, Vincent Kompany and his coaching team represent the calmness and strategic vision in the background. In situations where unrest arises in the environment, he and his team ensure a structured process and clear communication. With targeted preparations, a strong sense of togetherness and the ability to keep a cool head even in critical moments, they create a professional, focused environment in which every player can develop to their full potential. This ideal coordination between the coaching staff and the squad is the key to success – very much in the spirit of a Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, which, as the head coach said, will “always be something special” for Bayern.

Overall, Bayern’s impressive Supercup triumph against Stuttgart demonstrates already that success is emerging on many levels – from outstanding goalkeeping performance and a settled defence to dynamic transitions, depth on the bench and a coaching team who lead with care and strategic vision. The longer the season goes on, all these aspects will gradually improve, the injured key players will return and Bayern will become even stronger, so that at the end, the Supercup might only be remembered as the start of a special season.