Bayern Munich’s new-look squad is set for a major test on Wednesday when they host Club World Cup winners Chelsea in their Champions League opener. The clash is a repeat of the dramatic 2012 final in Munich, where Chelsea triumphed on penalties.
The German giants head into this campaign after a turbulent summer that saw key attackers Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Mueller, and Mathys Tel depart. In their place, Bayern signed Luis Diaz from Liverpool and secured Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea. However, with Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies sidelined by long-term injuries, concerns remain about squad depth.
How thin is Bayern’s squad?
Harry Kane, rarely one to stir controversy, admitted the squad feels light. “Maybe one of the smallest I’ve had in my career,” the 32-year-old said, while stressing the importance of avoiding extra fixtures in the knockout rounds. Bayern struggled last year, finishing 12th and scraping past Celtic 3-2 on aggregate. Kane warned, “It’s important to be in the top eight because that extra game can make a big difference.”
Luis Diaz has quickly made his mark with four goals and two assists in five matches, but Chelsea, fresh from their Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, represent a far tougher challenge.
Can Nicolas Jackson make his mark?
Nicolas Jackson made his Bayern debut off the bench on Saturday but is unlikely to start against his parent club. Kane defended the forward’s role, saying, “I don’t see him as a back-up, I see him as an attacking player who can help us.”
Former Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro believes Jackson’s situation mirrors his own experience as a super-sub behind top strikers. “I knew my job. I have to come in, score my goals, and be ready to do my thing when I have the chance. It’s a hard role to play. I hope (Jackson) will adapt like Luis (Diaz),” he explained.
Pizarro pointed to the fierce rivalry between Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben as an example of how competition fueled Bayern’s 2013 treble-winning season. He suggested Jackson’s arrival could spark a similar effect, adding another layer of intrigue as Bayern look to rebound from a disappointing campaign and reclaim their dominance in Europe.
By Yockshard Enyendi
