If Bayern Munich’s intentions were to press the reset button and start once again from a point of familiarity, when they appointed Jupp Heynckes, then it certain seemed to work in Saturday’s emphatic 5-0 win over Freiburg.
The past week has been like Beatlemania in Munich, with fans lining up to get pictures and autographs with the returning Champions League winner, while players sang his praise. Carlo Ancelotti had barely finished emptying his desk drawer before Heynckes’ portrait was no doubt rehung in the front lobby of the club’s training ground.
In typical fashion, the 72-year-old’s return also meant Bayern marched out on Saturday to a simplistic 4-2-3-1 formation, with Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara as a central partnership, Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman on either wing, while Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski took to the task of scoring the goals.
And it worked wonders. Bayern’s goals-per-game in the Bundesliga prior to Heynckes’ appointment stood at a sturdy 2.28, yet an own goal from Freiburg was then followed by goals from Kingsley Coman, Thiago Alcantara, Robert Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich. A genuine team effort that suggested improved performances throughout the pitch.
Saturday saw the first Bundesliga goals of the season for both Coman and Thiago, while Muller’s assist to set up Lewandowski was his first in four league outings. Fans were also no doubt ecstatic about seeing David Alaba once again bombing down the wing and creating goals. A talent the young full-back rarely showed under his previous coach.
Although we’ll need more than just one game to determine whether Heynckes is up to the task of once again coaching the German giants to success, the proverbial new manager “bump” in form couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment in the club’s season.
This week the German champions face Celtic in a must-win clash if they still have hopes of finishing top of their Champions League group. Although the Scottish club may not seem like the most intimidating challenge on offer, they’ll be in a buoyant mood after dismantling Anderlecht 3-0 in Belgium and do have players that could have hurt Bayern while they were still under the control of Ancelotti’s stumbling stewardship.
Bayern also have to get back on track in the Bundesliga too. A notable thrashing of Freiburg is all well and good, but important clashes against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund over the course of the next three weeks will play a huge role in just how capable Bayern look at defending their league title. Heynckes is back in town and it wasn’t a moment too soon.
