by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- It might feel like a new season start for fans visiting Bayern Munich's training compound at present. Fans usually come to see new arrivals and evaluate their teams' chances of a successful season.
This time, an unusual atmosphere surrounds the reigning German champions. Due to a series of injuries, the Bavarians were forced into a shopping spree in the winter break.
After Eric Dier (Tottenham), Bryan Zaragoza (Granada), Sacha Boey (Galatasaray) and Jonah Kusi-Asare (AIK Solna) slipped into the club's shirt, this is not only the costliest winter break in the side's history, but comes along with uncertainty about the outcome of the transfers costing around 30 million euros.
Ahead of the Bundesliga encounter against Borussia Monchengladbach this Saturday, and a week in advance of the duel against leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's line-up will most likely contain a range of new faces.
In advance of the UEFA Champions League last-16 match against Lazio, club icon Thomas Muller spoke about a "moment of truth" over the upcoming weeks, after the injury loss of key figures such as Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and several defenders.
Challenges don't seem to end as not only is crunch time in the Champions League is approaching, but the Bundesliga title race against Xabi Alonso's team is keeping everyone busy.
While Muller spoke of noticeable progress "as we grew together as a team", Bayern appear in a state of uncertainty, having to survive a challenging season.
With former RB Leipzig and Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl set to join the club in March, the future of coach Thomas Tuchel seems at stake. Reports speak of the 50-year-old having to win at least one title to secure his job. Other reports speak of rifts between the coach and parts of his squad.
Rumors about further squad changes have triggered instability, as regulars such as Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are said to be available for sale.
Significant changes seem possible as the 2025 Champions League final will be held at the club's Munich Arena, sparking dreams of a home victory.
Not losing ground in the duel against Leverkusen and proceeding to the next round in the Champions League are the most pressing issues for the 2020 treble winners.
Tuchel's options to influence the current muddle seem limited, as the coach missed several training sessions this week with the flu.
While the coach's game participation this Saturday remains uncertain, Bayern find themselves under pressure to somehow survive the three decisive duels and invest all their energy to be successful with a newly-formed squad. ■
