Bayern Munich has overcome their recent struggles against Bayer Leverkusen, restoring their place in the football hierarchy and nearly resolving the contract extension saga surrounding Joshua Kimmich. Following their 2-0 victory in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg, the atmosphere at Bayern was jubilant. „This is a great day,“ declared Jan-Christian Dreesen, the club’s CEO, during a late-night banquet. „We may have restored some stability in German football.“
The two decisive victories over Leverkusen have reinstated Bayern’s confidence and self-identity, crucial after being challenged by the team last season. „We have made a real statement. The entire group is coming together,“ remarked sporting director Max Eberl.
Even when confronted with provocative questions, Eberl remained upbeat. „Of course, Xabi and Leverkusen have done outstanding work as a group over the past 18 months. But now we are back. We are at the top of the Bundesliga, eight points ahead, and we are among the last eight in Europe in the Champions League, having beaten Leverkusen. So, if there was a curse, it is over,“ Eberl affirmed, adding positive news regarding Kimmich’s contract situation.
Speaking about Kimmich, who has been hesitant about his future, Eberl stated, „We will take this matter swiftly. A ball does not stay in the air for long.“ Kimmich himself was more explicit, indicating a decision would be made soon: „There will definitely be a decision in the coming days,“ referring to a possible contract extension.
Kimmich, who has taken his time to decide, also sees Bayern returning to their former strength. The 34th Bundesliga title is within reach, and following their strong performance against Leverkusen, the team is eyeing the Champions League final in their home stadium on May 31. „When you compete against a top team from the last 18 months, you have the right to dream,“ Eberl stated. The next challenge for Bayern will be against Italian champions Inter Milan in the quarter-finals in April.
„Bayern is always among the favorites. There has been a lot of talk, but we have shown what kind of team we are,“ said goalscorer Harry Kane, who single-handedly led the team to victory with three goals and one assist across both matches. The 31-year-old captain of the English national team, who has never won a team title, is keen to change that this season. „You can really see how hard he works, how he realizes he is now close to winning titles, and that is how he presents himself,“ praised Eberl.
Kane has now achieved ten goals in the current Champions League season, a record for an English player. „His personal motivation is certainly helpful. He runs and fights like a youth player. This energy is beneficial,“ said coach Vincent Kompany about his star player.
Kompany seemed to be the only one urging caution. When asked about the likely championship title in his first season as Bayern coach, the Belgian visibly sighed. Keeping Leverkusen at bay, especially with the currently injured Florian Wirtz, remains his biggest national challenge. „We have not had peace from Leverkusen in recent years. I feel this duel is not over yet,“ Kompany said.