Three Bayern insights after Cologne: Harry, the libero | OneFootball

FC Bayern come from behind to win their away game at 1. FC Köln. FCBinside provides three insights into the match

Bayern picked up their next three points on matchday 17 with a 3-1 win in Cologne. The game provided the following insights

1. Bayern remain greedy despite records

The fact that Bayern are completely unrivalled in the Bundesliga after just one half of the season means that every game is followed by a look at several broken or possible records. There is no championship race, which is why Bayern are currently only playing against their own history in the league

The last game of the first half of the season took place in Cologne and the win meant that Bayern had the most successful half-season of all time in 2025/26

Coach Vincent Kompany played a big part in this with his work. You could tell after the game that the Belgian was a little proud of this record – and he should be! Not even his mentor Pep Guardiola could achieve a first half of the season like this at Bayern

Nevertheless, Kompany’s goal is titles and not records, as he made clear after the game: „It’s actually a bit of an inner conflict with my mentality that we’re already celebrating a record in the middle of the season. Because that’s not a title.“

At the same time, Kompany wants to see his team’s achievement acknowledged: „I only told the lads, because ultimately it’s the players who have achieved this. It’s so incredibly difficult to achieve any kind of record at this club and in the Bundesliga.“

Kompany then set the course with a view to the championship. His message to the players: „The second half of the season starts tomorrow and then everything is back to zero. So the first half is over. Try to win the second half and then things will look good!“

2. Harry, the libero

Manuel Neuer went down in soccer history with his 2014 World Cup match against Algeria. The German keeper redefined the goalkeeping game with his performance, after which it was dubbed: „Manu, the libero.“ Neuer not only dominated his five-metre area or the sixteen, but also played a kind of sweeper and staved off balls from the halfway line

For his part, Harry Kane’s play in Cologne underlined the fact that there has never been a centre-forward like him at FC Bayern. And there is hardly a nine-man player in world soccer with Kane’s style of play. Against FC, the goalscorer was really everywhere on the pitch. Like a libero in the true sense of the word, completely free and detached from a specific position on the tactics board

Kane fought duels at his own corner flag, played precise long passes from the center of midfield, then acted briefly like a left winger or played centre-back. He didn’t get into any dangerous situations in front of the opposition goal this time, but his huge range of action is increasingly becoming Kane’s trademark

At the start of the season, he often dropped back to the ten – especially due to the absence of Jamal Musiala. Nowadays, Kane simply plays every position and helps the team tremendously. Unlike other center forwards, Kane acts completely unselfishly and puts himself at the service of the team

He won’t often be seen in the highlight videos of the Cologne game, but „Harry the Libero“ could be the decisive factor on the way to titles this year

3. Kim and Ito collect points

Minjae Kim has often come in for criticism recently. The South Korean was prone to errors, struggled with injuries and lost his starting place to Jonathan Tah. In Cologne, Kim was allowed to start alongside him, while Dayot Upamecano was given a short break. And Kim made the most of his chance. The 29-year-old played a strong game, was consistent in tackles, prevented a great chance for Cologne with a long sprint and even scored with his head to make it 2:1 for Bayern. He earned the FCBinside grade 2 for this

photo: IMAGO

Just like Hiroki Ito, who started at left-back, where the now injured Josip Stanisic had been playing recently. Ito impressed with consistent tackling and great composure on the ball. The Japanese player also got involved going forward, setting up Kim’s goal with a header

There was a brief scare when Ito twisted his knee and needed treatment, but the defender, who had already missed so many games with two metatarsal fractures, was able to continue

An injury would have been really bitter for Bayern. The already thin squad is currently pretty stretched. All the more reassuring for Kompany and the Bayern fans that players like Kim and Ito can be relied on. The two were able to collect points in their appearances from the start in Cologne. FCB have seven games in 21 days coming up, with Kim and Ito sure to collect a few more minutes of action.