Another League Title For Bayern Munich?
Bayern Munich will be looking to win a tenth straight league title this season. However, like other elite clubs around Europe, they may be a slow starter given how many players could be missing following their exerts at the EUROs. It has been a summer of change at the Allianz Arena, as Bayern have put extra emphasis on youth. Javi Martinez, David Alaba and Jerome Boating have all left Bayern this summer, with Dayot Upamecano being the big star brought in.
😁💪 #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/bpoLJZF8Wy
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) August 3, 2021
Julian Nagelsmann will lead Bayern this season, as he looks to follow on from the success that Hansi Flick enjoyed. There is certainly confidence shown from the board, as Oliver Kahn admitted that Nagelsmann’s appointment is part of a long-term goal. Speaking to the official Bayern site, he said: “Julian’s contract length of five years alone shows how committed he is to FC Bayern. I am convinced that FC Bayern’s sporting future will be a very successful one with Julian Nagelsmann.”
When it comes to the sides best placed to challenge Bayern, it would be hard to look past Borussia Dortmund. Now under the stewardship of former Borussia Monchengladbach coach Marco Rose, Dortmund will need to deal with the loss of Jadon Sancho. However, in Erling Haaland, they have a striker that is more than capable of helping them form a title challenge.
Good preseason! 💪🏼 now it’s time for 21/22! pic.twitter.com/yr5OW9yKo1
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) July 30, 2021
RB Leipzig ended the 2020-21 campaign in second, but huge changes over the summer could be detrimental to their chances. The Red Bull-owned club have brought in Jesse Marsch to replace Nagelsmann, and how the American adapts to the Bundesliga after two years with Salzburg could be vital.
Eintracht Frankfurt A Dark Horse For Europe?
Eintracht Frankfurt went under the radar throughout the 2020-21 season, and just narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing the season in fifth. Frankfurt parted ways with Adi Hutter at the end of the season, as he moved to Monchengladbach, but Oliver Glasner is more than an astute piece of business.
One week to go until we are back in competitive action! 🔜🏆#SVWSGE #SGE #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/JwXAXItJII
— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) August 1, 2021
Glasner guided Wolfsburg to fourth in the 2020-21 season, as they finished just a point ahead of Eintracht. The summer hasn’t been without its losses, as Andre Silva has left for Leipzig, while Luka Jovic returned to Real Madrid. However, they remain a young squad that is improving season-on-season, and a Europa League finish would be a minimum expectation.
Exciting Young Bundesliga Talent
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham’s star continued to rise in 2020-21, as he played an integral role for Borussia Dortmund. The 18-year-old played 29 times last season and scored once. With the departure of Jadon Sancho, there will be more pressure on Bellingham to improve on the number of goals and assists that he recorded last season. However, his natural ability shows that there is no sign of stalling.
Christoph Baumgartner
Christoph Baumgartner was one of the standout players in the EUROs for Austria. His progression shows no sign of slowing down, and he will be integral for an impressive Hoffenheim side, as they look to improve on their 11th place finish last season. He is a typical box-to-box midfielder that flourishes in the final third. Baumgartner scored six goals in the Bundesliga last season, and he looks good value to improve on that.
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen have an excellent reputation for nurturing talent, with Kai Haverz being a recent example. Florian Wirtz is the next star making his big breakthrough, and the 2021-22 could be an opportunity for him to leave his mark. Wirtz was impressive last season, scoring five times and making five assists. Both of those stats will be improved upon next season, as Leverkusen look to get into the Champions League picture.
Managerial Changes
Every summer is a busy period for clubs as they look to adjust their backroom staff to help reach their targets for the coming season. Below, you can catch up on the moves made over the pre-season.
Manager | New Club |
Marco Rose | Borussia Dortmund |
Adi Hutter | Borussia Monchengladbach |
Gerardo Seoane | Bayer Leverkusen |
Steffen Baumgart | FC Cologne |
Oliver Glasner | Eintracht Frankfurt |
Julian Nagelsmann | Bayern Munich |
Jesse Marsch | RB Leipzig |
Mark can Bommel | Wolfsburg |