After the international break: tough weeks ahead for Bayern | OneFootball

After the international break, FC Bayern enters the first hot phase of the season. Vincent Kompany's team faces a mammoth program in September with five compulsory games in 17 days. In addition to the Bundesliga, the start of the Champions League is also on the agenda – with a real top match against FC Chelsea.

On Monday, the non-international players started their preparation for the Bundesliga cracker against Hamburger SV at Säbener Straße. The international players will gradually return to Munich by Thursday. This means that Kompany can almost fully utilize his squad. Only Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Jamal Musiala are still missing. However, there is hope for Tom Bischof: The summer newcomer was back on the training ground for the first time after his appendectomy.

Kick-off against HSV (September 13, Allianz Arena)

To start, the German record champion welcomes Hamburger SV. The duel has tradition and is given special explosiveness by the Bundesliga promotion of the Rothosen. For Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, it is a reunion with his former club, where he played between 2006 and 2008.

The roles are clearly defined in terms of sports: Bayern are the favorites in the match, want to maintain their clean sheet and defend the league lead. HSV, on the other hand, relies on courage and passion. Particularly in focus: HSV newcomer Fabio Vieira, who recently made a fighting announcement and wants to "take something away from Munich". For Kompany, the game is likely to be a question of balance: bundling offensive power, but at the same time ensuring defensive stability.

Champions League highlight against Chelsea (September 17, Allianz Arena)

IMAGO

Just a few days later, the first major test awaits: FC Chelsea comes to Munich for the start of the Champions League season. It's not just a prestige duel between two international heavyweights, but also a reunion with Nicolas Jackson's former club.

The Londoners travel as reigning club world champions and have a squad with enormous individual quality under coach Enzo Maresca. For Bayern, a good start in the Champions League is a must, after they had to take the detour into the round of 16 via the playoffs last season.

Away at TSG Hoffenheim (September 20, PreZero Arena)

Barely time to catch a breath: Three days after Chelsea, Bayern heads to Sinsheim to TSG Hoffenheim. The Kraichgauer have proven to be a tough opponent over the past few years. Especially at home, TSG can surprise with pace and counter football.

For Kompany's team, it's a classic "trap game": After an intense Champions League evening, concentration could suffer.

Guest appearance at Werder Bremen (September 26, Weserstadion)

Photo: IMAGO

A week later, the next away game awaits in the north – this time at Werder Bremen. The Hanseatic team is strong at home, relies on a compact defense and quick counterattacks.

For Bayern, it will be important to control the game early and not let the Bremen crowd get into the game. The memory of the recent close duels at Weserstadion should warn Kompany not to take the game lightly.

Trip to Cyprus: Pafos FC (September 30, Stelios Kyriakides Stadium)

The conclusion of the September program is the Champions League away game in Cyprus against Pafos FC. Sportingly, Bayern is the clear favorite, but the trip to the Mediterranean brings additional strain.

Especially because the Munich team is considered the obligatory winner in this match, Kompany could rotate and give players from the second row playing minutes. However, it applies: A slip-up cannot be afforded in the Champions League.

Kompany's first major test

Photo: IMAGO

The coming weeks are the first real litmus test for Bayern. Many fans are watching the current odds and schedules. The balance between Bundesliga routine, international top duels, and necessary rotation will be decisive in successfully getting through September.

After the promising start to the season with the Supercup success in Stuttgart, the 6:0 against RB Leipzig, and the victory in Augsburg, Bayern wants to extend their series. If Kompany manages to guide the team stably through the mammoth program, the foundation for a successful season could be laid.

One thing is certain: September will be the first major stress test – both athletically and mentally.

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