Bayern Munich's record-breaking start to the season has earned plaudits, but Didi Hamann sees a potential danger. The German legend believes the team's 'youthful enthusiasm' and excessive running, such as in their 5-1 win over Pafos in midweek, could have 'brutal consequences' later in the season, highlighting a flaw in their otherwise dominant approach.
Can Bayern fall?
Hamann has cautioned Bayern that their excessive physical output in comfortable victories could backfire later in the season, pointing to their recent 5-1 Champions League win over Pafos as a prime example. Writing in his column for , the pundit praised Bayern's historic start under Vincent Kompany but identified their high running stats as a potential concern.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHamann praises record start but raises concerns
Bayern have enjoyed the best start to a season in their illustrious history, and Hamann acknowledged that Kompany's side are winning "confidently, and almost as if it were a given." However, he highlighted a specific issue from their dominant European victory in Cyprus. Despite cruising to a 5-1 win, where they registered 26 shots to Pafos' six and held 67% possession, Bayern’s players covered a significant amount of ground, a detail Hamann believes is cause for concern in a game that was never in doubt.
What Hamann said about Bayern's 'unnecessary' effort
The ex-Liverpool midfielder pointed to the match statistics as the "only fly in the ointment" for the Bavarian giants. "When you're playing against an opponent two or three leagues lower… you can't overexert yourself so much running-wise," Hamann stated. "Bayern ran over 121 kilometers, Pafos 113. I don't know if that's youthful enthusiasm. But such an unnecessary extra physical effort can have brutal consequences in the spring, when you really need your strength.
"Real Madrid ran only 110 kilometers in their victory in Kazakhstan, while their opponents ran 114. That's much more intelligent. I think that's a fact that's not insignificant in the final analysis. But it's also the only fly in the ointment right now."
Getty Images SportWhat next for Kompany's high-flying Bayern?
Despite Hamann's warning on game management, Bayern's results remain flawless. They sit top of their Champions League group with two wins from two, scoring eight goals in the process, and also lead the Bundesliga with a perfect record after five matches. The intensity will ramp up in their next fixture, an away trip to face fellow top-four side Eintracht Frankfurt in what Hamann has labelled their "toughest test since the match against Chelsea." Kompany will need to balance his side's high-energy approach with the need for preservation as they enter a demanding period of the season.
