Bayern Munich Are Suddenly The Title Favourites

After appearing in MLB jerseys crisis earlier this season, Bayern Munich have moved to within two points of leaders Leverkusen and could lead the Bundesliga table at the winter break.

It has been quite the turn-around for Louis van Gaal’s men in the last few weeks, and it hasn’t only been isolated to the league.

Who could forget their dramatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-1 win at Juventus on Matchday Six.

But focusing back on the Bundesliga, Bayern have won their last three matches including an emphatic 5-1 rout at Bochum on the weekend.

And while it should be acknowledged Bochum are a side battling down the wrong end of the table, Bayern were brilliant on Saturday.

The Bavarians tore apart their opponents in ominous style suggesting this is a side ready to give the title a real tilt.

And with challengers Leverkusen, Werder Bremen, VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburg SV wavering of late, Bayern loom large.

Perhaps Felix Magath’s impressive Schalke 04 will have something to say about that, but Bayern are in form right now.

Energetic Bayern striker Ivica Olic has been brilliant with his tireless displays and he could easily have had a hat-trick at Bochum. His front partner, Mario Gomez, continues to find the net too.
Outstanding defender Philipp Lahm has settled down on the left-side and provided plenty for the forwards to feed off on Saturday, while Danijel Pranjic deservedly broke his Bundesliga duck.

Bayern’s Dutch boss said after the game, "My players concentrated very hard in the build-up to the match, and kept their concentration once it kicked off.

“It was a big ask after the 4-1 win in Turin, but I'd say winning 5-1 here in Bochum isn't too bad.

"We prepare well for every match, with videos, team talks and individual chats. I think we saw some of that coming through today.

“We're back to within two points of Leverkusen now. I'm very satisfied."

Indeed, he should be satisfied as Bayern were on the verge of an early European exit and languishing down in eighth on the Bundesliga table just a few weeks ago.

It has suddenly turned around for Bayern and van Gaal must claim some credit for that.

He has remained stubborn in his appraisal of Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose’s worth to the side and van Gaal’s preferred front pairing have been brilliant of late.

And the Dutchman continues to encourage youngsters like Holger Badstuber and Thomas Mueller, as well as his own signings like Pranjic.


Bayern face newly promoted FSV Mainz next weekend and a win in that fixture could see them lead the Bundesliga table going into the winter break, which would be an unbelievable feat.

But looking ahead with more important things in mind, Bayern’s title hopes have multiplied big time recently. And to think of the impact Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben will make when they return to full fitness, Bayern are ominously poised.

Van Gaal suddenly seems the right man for the job and with rumours he may be signing Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos in the transfer window, Bayern could just have the stock to go all the way.

Schalke continue to look a realistic title candidate, but Bayern look ominous. They’ve certainly turned the corner.