Are Bayern too dominant? Kroos warns against slipping into autopilot | OneFootball

FC Bayern is racing from victory to victory, dominating the Bundesliga at will - and leaving the competition far behind. While fans and experts talk about the best season start in years, former Bayern pro Toni Kroos looks at the current situation of the record champion with a touch of skepticism.

In the podcast Einfach mal Luppen, which he co-hosts with his brother Felix, the 35-year-old praised the impressive form of the team, but at the same time warned of a dangerous development.

"As a player, I always hated it when people said: This year you will simply be champions," Kroos explained. "Nevertheless, I believe that Bayern will be champions this year in March, at the latest in April." The 2014 World Cup winner is convinced: The Munich team is simply too strong for the national competition this season. "It's just obvious this year. They are too far away from the rest."

Kroos sees Bundesliga without a real Bayern rival

For Kroos, the league is currently not a real test for the defending champion. "They will lose a game once in a while, but in terms of consistency, there is no opponent - not on the field and also none that challenges them long in the table," said the former midfield director, who wore the Bayern jersey himself from 2007 to 2014.

The former pro, who ended his career at Real Madrid in 2024, views the record champion's outstanding early form with mixed feelings. His assessment: Bayern are marching unstoppably towards the championship, but could therefore fall into a dangerous comfort zone internationally.

"Lack of toughness tests are a risk for Europe"

Photo: IMAGO

Especially with regard to the Champions League, Kroos identifies a potential problem: the lack of rhythm of strong opponents in the league routine. "Especially in the Bundesliga, they won't be able to have this test," he said. "That's why they have to make brutal good use of the top games in the Champions League group stage, because that only comes back later in the quarterfinals. They won't have that on the weekends this year."

The former director's fear: If Bayern too often operates in the national "routine mode", the team could be surprised at the international top level in spring. "When the decisive opponents are waiting in the quarterfinals or semifinals, we will see what it looks like," Kroos continued.

His analysis reminds of old discussions about the lack of tension in the Bundesliga - a topic that has often accompanied the Munich team in recent years.

Despite his warning, Kroos believes that Vincent Kompany's team can achieve great things. The record champion is more consolidated than in previous years, has developed both tactically and mentally under the new coach. "As a team, they are more consolidated," Kroos explained, "but when you look at the quality of the individual players, I see for example FC Barcelona or other teams ahead."

For the world champion it is clear: "For Bayern it will only go as a team if they want to go far." The interaction, the structure and the collective are decisive - not the individual class alone.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.