Luxury problem in the CL: Bayern nominate squad for the knockout phase | OneFootball

FC Bayern are entering the hot phase of the Champions League without any major upheaval. While many of Europe’s top clubs were calculating, pushing and readjusting until the very end, there was a conspicuous calmness at Säbener Straße. Coach Vincent Kompany was able to submit his squad for the knockout round of the premier class to UEFA on time – without emergency solutions, without hectic late registrations and, above all, without pressure from outside

The German record champions have nominated 22 players for the A-list, one fewer than before. The reason for this is purely formal. The departure of Sacha Boey, who left FC Bayern on loan to Galatasaray in the winter, automatically reduced the squad by one name. However, the sporting management did not feel it was necessary to react on the transfer market or within the existing squad

Kompany sees no need for action

Although UEFA regulations would have allowed clubs to nominate up to three new players for the knockout rounds, Munich deliberately chose not to do so. Internally, the current squad is considered stable and balanced. There are currently no major injury concerns that would have made it necessary to intervene. Vincent Kompany believes his squad is well positioned and trusts in the structure that was carefully put together in the summer

This calm is no coincidence. FC Bayern has clearly aligned its squad planning in recent months and deliberately avoided short-term solutions. While other clubs were still adding to their ranks in the winter in order to remain competitive on the European stage, Munich remained true to its own line. The existing squad should absorb the burden of the coming weeks – both nationally and internationally

B-list as a silent trump card

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An additional factor that gives the record champions leeway is the UEFA B-list. Young players such as Lennart Karl or Wisdom Mike can continue to be used flexibly, as this list is not subject to any numerical limits. Bayern already benefited from this in the Champions League phase and easily met all formal requirements even when there were personnel bottlenecks

This constellation should not be underestimated, especially in an intensive spring with many English weeks. The possibility of integrating young players without administrative effort gives Kompany additional options – be it to relieve established forces or as a tactical alternative

Sporting director Max Eberl therefore did not feel compelled to take action in the winter either. The decision to forgo new additions was not a sign of passivity, but an expression of trust in the existing squad. A compact, clearly structured squad that is well established is valued more highly in Munich than short-term reinforcements without long-term prospects.