Bayern Munich's Attack Without Musiala: Can Kompany Find the Right Formula?

Bayern Munich faces a significant challenge as they kick off the 2025-26 Bundesliga season without their star attacking midfielder, Jamal Musiala. The young talent suffered an injury during the Club World Cup, leaving a void in Bayern's creative department. With Harry Kane describing this squad as the thinnest he's been part of, the pressure is on coach Vincent Kompany to find the right attacking formula.

The Opening Fixture: A Test Against RB Leipzig

The Bundesliga season begins with a high-stakes match against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena. This fixture, known as das Eröffnungsspiel, traditionally features the defending champions and sets the tone for the season. Bayern last hosted this ceremonial opener in 2020, and the return to their home ground promises a grand occasion filled with Bavarian traditions.

Kompany's Vision and the Challenges Ahead

Vincent Kompany, in his second year as Bayern's coach, has brought a possession-based style of play with a high press. While this approach has been well-received by fans, it hasn't always yielded consistent results. The absence of Musiala adds another layer of complexity to Kompany's tactical plans.

The Musiala Void: Who Steps Up?

With Musiala sidelined, the responsibility falls on players like Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise to fill the creative gap. Gnabry showed promise in the Super Cup against VfB Stuttgart, but questions remain about the depth of Bayern's attacking options. Young talents like Lennart Karl could offer a glimpse into the future, but Kompany has been cautious about integrating youth too quickly.

Transfer Strategy and Long-Term Plans

Bayern's sporting CEO, Max Eberl, faces scrutiny over the club's transfer strategy. The signing of Luis Díaz from Liverpool for €75 million has been met with mixed reactions. While Díaz brings immediate quality, his arrival doesn't address the need for a sustainable long-term plan. Eberl and the Bayern board are also considering a move for Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku to bolster the attack.

Defensive Reinforcements and Squad Depth

In defense, the addition of Jonathan Tah provides much-needed solidity. Aleksandar Pavlović's return from injury is another positive, but Harry Kane's recent comments about the squad's thinness highlight the challenges Bayern faces in maintaining their dominance.

The Road Ahead

As Bayern prepares to face Leipzig, all eyes will be on Kompany's ability to adapt without Musiala. The match will be a crucial test of Bayern's attacking depth and Kompany's tactical acumen. With the Bundesliga title on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher.