A team to be feared? Bayern Munich

BEFORE YOU READ: http://thefootballaddick.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-team-to-be-feared.html - overview of the series content! feedback appreciated. Thank you for reading.

Ribery. Schweinsteiger. Kroos. Muller. And now Gotze. Just a handful of a highly talented group of players that will be managed next season by who has been touted as one of the best managers in the world, Pep Guardiola. What's scary is that there is more. Mandzukic, Robben, Shaqiri and Gomez amongst others mean that Bayern possess one of the most talented attacks in the world, and whilst also boasting a mean defence: Bayern Munich may well be the team to beat in the Champions League next season.

Considering Bayern crushed Barcelona 4-0 whilst also playing attractive football of their own, highlights just how good they are. No disrespect to Heynckes, he is a great manager and he has shown this by blitzing all in their path on all fronts this season, but the possibilities are endless with Guardiola. Imagine how much better they could potentially become under the Spaniard. His passing football will suit the likes of Gotze, Ribery and Schweinsteiger to the core, and this will make them become even better players. Bayern have the squad to do it, and they could possibly be irresistible if the system is implemented effectively.

My starting XI for 2013-2014 (with current squad)

Subs: Robben, Gustavo, Shaqiri, Boateng, Gomez, Starke, Kroos

Fear Factor: 9/10



But the most impressive thing about Bayern is that they have world class players in every position, and have strength in depth to accompany this. Neuer is undoubtedly one of the world's best keepers, and in front of him are Dante and Badstuber, both of which have proven their quality in recent years. They have the best right back in the world in the form of Phillip Lahm, and David Alaba shares similar qualities on the left of a solid defence. In midfield there is Javi Martinez, who was magnificent against Barcelona on Tuesday night as he quashed the threat of Iniesta and Messi (a fairly hard task), and just in front of him will be 2 of Schweinsteiger, Kroos and Gotze, all of which are world class. Robben, Muller and Ribery are 3 of the best wingers in the world, and backed up by the young and talented Shaqiri, means this is an extremely strong position for Bayern. Capping off the team is Gomez or Mandzukic, and their goal scoring records speak for themselves. So there isn't really a problem position for Bayern, and this strength in depth can prove to be pivotal in their quest for Champions League success.

But here's the best bit. Its unconfirmed rumours, but apparently in bribing Guardiola to join Bayern, they offered him a war chest of an incredible £120 million. £32 million has already been spent on Gotze, so that leaves a remaining £88 million for this transfer window. Imagine who they can get with that. As one of the best teams in the world, they can almost get whoever they want for that sort of money. The possibilities are endless. Who knows? Maybe even Ronaldo will be interested following on from reports that he is unsettled in Spain? You may think that's a little unrealistic, but I genuinely think that if he's going to leave Madrid, then Bayern will be one of his preferred destinations.



My starting XI for 2013-2014 (With potential squad)

Subs: Robben, Mandzukic, Shaqiri, Boateng, Starke, Dante, Kroos

Potential Fear Factor: 10/10



But more realistically, I think that a proven centre back and a striker will cap the team off. 2 names that spring to mind are Hummels and Reus. Both are German and thus will probably be interested in a move to the country's best club, and both will significantly strengthen Bayern's side. Hummels is the perfect choice at centre back, with his ability to pass the ball as well as defend leading to many people hailing him as the next Beckenbaeur, which is quite favourable whoever you are. Reus too has lit up the Bundesliga in recent years, first with Gladbach and then with Dortmund, terrorising opposition defences with his pace and vememous shot, and his almost telepathic partnership with Gotze may mean that he also follows him to Munich. So with this in mind, the thought of these additions will make Bayern scary, to frightening. Think of how good they may be.

Obviously this is just a possibility, but I honestly think this team named above will destroy all in their path, and above all is realistic. Having destroyed Real Madrid 4-1, and a place in the Champions League final beckoning, it may convince Reus and Hummels to stay; but if Gotze left, then surely there is potential for Hummels and Reus to follow suit? Bayern have shown against Barcelona on Tuesday night just how good they can be, with their team working extremely well in defence to nullify the threat of Messi, whilst also causing numerous problems for Barcelona up front. They still have a lot to do in the second leg, and it is still unknown whether they will make the final given Barcelona’s quality let alone win it, but even if there is no success in Europe next year, there may well be next year under Guardiola.