The Bavarians’ impressive victory against Stuttgart highlights the transformation taking place under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership. During the international break, Bayern Munich’s key figures, including Vincent Kompany and Max Eberl, communicated a clear message: patience and confidence were pivotal. Despite a challenging two-week period that saw them without a win, the team’s performance indicated they were poised to deliver a strong rebound, full of excitement and skill that had characterized their season thus far.
It was somewhat absurd to label their three-game winless streak as Kompany’s first “mini-crisis,” especially since they remained unbeaten in the Bundesliga and sat atop the league table. Rather than fostering internal blame or panic, the atmosphere suggested a collective determination to get back on track. Kompany remarked after the 4-0 triumph over Stuttgart, “It isn’t about belief for me; it’s about the analysis. We were dominant and created significantly more chances than our opponents.” Notably, their winless matches came against strong rivals—Leverkusen, Aston Villa, and a high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt.
While outside observers speculated that the team might be too open defensively, the internal sentiment was quite the opposite. Kompany firmly stated, “Objectively, it would be foolish to change everything,” reflecting the alignment and trust within the squad.
This confidence is also evident in the play of Harry Kane. Although there has been media scrutiny over his form, particularly with his scoreless streak during the winless matches, he remained committed to playing his way back into form. His long-range strike against Stuttgart marked his first goal in over 393 minutes, followed by a stunning 23-minute hat trick that showcased his sharpness and decisiveness. Kingsley Coman later capped the match with his first Bundesliga goal in nearly a year, highlighting Bayern’s offensive dominance.
Stuttgart, under Sebastian Hoeness, entered the match not shy of a challenge. Known for their dynamic style of play, they were determined not to let the encounter define their season. In the previous year’s matchup at the Allianz Arena, Stuttgart had been on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat, but the games shared little more than a scoreline in common.
As Germany’s sports media buzzed about England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel in pursuit of the 2026 World Cup, Bayern’s current form under Kompany served as a bold contrast. While Tuchel had allowed Stuttgart to shine in their previous face-off, Kompany’s strategy focused on maintaining control of the match, ensuring Stuttgart was unable to impose their game.
One can only ponder if Kane’s comments about his deflected goal aimed at Stuttgart’s goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel—who is still under Bayern’s contract—was a nod to his teammate. It’s evident that both Kane and Kompany are determined to forge their respective paths, with Kompany unafraid to make decisions that suit his vision for the team, even leaving out key players like João Palhinha in favour of those who fit his plans.
This weekend saw some thrilling Bundesliga action, with results showcasing the competitive landscape. Despite differences in approach, teams like RB Leipzig continue to exert pressure on Bayern, maintaining equal points after a solid win against Mainz. Meanwhile, Dortmund’s struggle with consistency reflects the broader challenges clubs face, as they aim to capitalize on the confidence displayed by Bayern and Leipzig. The Bundesliga is shaping up to be an exciting season, with unexpected twists and standout performances from emerging stars.