Assessing Bayern Munich’s recent uncharacteristic struggles

Inconsistency, attitude, poor decisions plaguing Bayern Munich

The “Mia San Mia” mentality has been a core component of Bayern Munich’s identity and success in recent years. Translating to “We are who we are,” this mantra represents a winning mentality combined with self-belief and a lack of arrogance. However, there have been concerns recently this mentality might be fading from the club, particularly this season.

This blog will delve into Bayern Munich’s recent struggles, including poor attitude, injuries, low performances, disappointing results, weak board leadership and the managerial change at a crucial point of the season, to assess whether the “Mia San Mia” mentality is truly in jeopardy.

To begin with, one must consider the impact of poor attitude and injuries on Bayern Munich’s recent performances.

A series of injuries to key players, including Lucas Hernández and captain Manuel Neuer, have left the squad depleted and struggling to maintain their usual dominance on the field. The absence of these players has resulted in a dip in performance, as evidenced by several disappointing results, such as the team’s shock defeat to Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals. This loss not only ruined Bayern’s chance at a treble but also raised questions about the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

A week later, the Bavarian giants registered another defeat in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals first leg against Manchester City, losing 3-0. The performance raised question marks about their willingness and mentality on the pitch.

There have been other incidents of poor attitude within the squad that may indicate a weakening of the “Mia San Mia” mentality.

After the loss to Manchester City, there was an altercation between newly signed star Sadio Mane and Leroy Sané, hinting at potential unrest within the team. Such incidents could be a sign the players are not fully embodying the values of the “Mia San Mia” mantra, as tensions and frustrations boil over into conflicts.

Poor play has plagued Bayern Munich throughout the season. While the team remains near the top of the Bundesliga table, they have not been as dominant as in previous seasons. A string of poor results, including a 1-0 loss against Augsburg and the DFB Pokal exit to Freiburg, have cast doubt on the team’s ability to maintain their winning ways. The inconsistency raises questions about whether the players are truly embodying the club mentality, or if they are succumbing to complacency and a lack of self-belief.

Despite these challenges, there are still signs the mentality endures within the club. Many players, including Thomas Müller and Leon Goretzka, have spoken about the importance of maintaining this mentality, emphasizing the need for self-belief and a winning attitude. Müller, in particular, has been instrumental in keeping the team focused and motivated, as he continues to embody the values of the club mantra both on and off the field.

Moreover, the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new manager could be seen as an opportunity for the club to reinvigorate the “Mia San Mia” mentality. Tuchel, the former Dortmund manager, understands the values and expectations of the club and has the potential to instill them in the current squad. While it remains to be seen how successful his tenure will be, the change in leadership could provide the spark needed to reignite the team’s passion and commitment to the “Mia San Mia” mentality.

It is undeniable that Bayern Munich has faced numerous challenges during the 2022/23 season. Poor attitude, injuries, low performances, disappointing results, weak board leadership, and the managerial change at a crucial point of the season have all contributed to a sense of instability and uncertainty within the club. However, it is important to remember that the “Mia San Mia” mentality is not just about winning matches and trophies, but also about the values of self-belief, humility, and resilience.

As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the players, staff, and fans to rally together and uphold the values of the “Mia San Mia” mantra. By doing so, they can ensure Bayern Munich remains a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field, and that the club’s winning mentality endures.