By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 German Champion has reached a new low point. A draw against Benfica Lisbon in the Champions League Group E on Tuesday evening could be enough for coach Niko Kovac to leave.
Kovac from Croatia, 47, is said to have lost his players and the trust in his abilities seems to have diminished to almost zero.
Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger or former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane might follow. Wenger is said to be the first choice.
After the 12th round of matches in the league championship, it seems unlikely Bayern will be able to retain their title.
What are the reasons for the crisis at the 2013 treble winner? What are the possible solutions?
NIKO KOVAC
To only blame the inexperienced Kovac falls short of the mark. The former Eintracht Frankfurt coach unsuccessfully asked for new faces last summer but finally agreed to accept to work with an overaged squad.
His first mistake: Kovac took over a team bloated with success that showed signs it was falling apart at the end of last season after losing the Champions League semifinal to Real Madrid. Bayern negligently gambled away the 2018 German Cup final against underdogs Eintracht Frankfurt.
Currently, Kovac is said to have lost his team's trust and is blamed for not delivering solutions to lead the team back to success. Bayern's performances lack speed and inspiration.
His biggest problem: Rebellious stars only care about their own performance instead of considering the team's benefit.
Kovac tried to create a new team spirit by rotating his players. He failed to build a healthy mixture of established forces and youngsters.
His second big problem: Several escapades of players like Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben, James Rodriguez, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, and Robert Lewandowski were tolerated by the club's leaders but undermined the coach's authority.
NEW COACH/SOLUTIONS
Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wegner is said to be on the list of potential replacements. The 69-year-old Frenchman speaks German and has the necessary experience on a high level. Wenger is said to want to add a new chapter to his career.
Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is mentioned by German media. But it seems uncertain if the 46-year-old three-time Champions League winner feels like taking over a struggling team after he retired in Madrid.
Former Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl lacks experience as he never worked with a team of Bayern's quality. The 51-year-old Austrian refused to take over the Bayern job last summer announcing in public he lacks the needed experience.
Former amateur coach and current youth coordinator Hermann Gerland and assistant coach Peter Hermann could be a temporary solution until the end of the season as long as no other answer is around.
OVERAGED SQUAD
Bayern missed the right moment to rejuvenate its team. Old stars like Ribery (35) and Arjen Robben (34) were given new contracts. Commitments made by the stars to abide by the club's plans to initiate a gentle generation have not been followed.
Injuries to youngsters like Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Serge Gnabry and experienced performers like Rafinha, Thiago and James has worsened the situation.
LEADERS
Chairmen Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Uli Hoeness underestimated the problems of their unbalanced squad.
The uncertain future of the 63-year-old and 66-year-old are increasing the club's unrest. Former German international Oliver Kahn is said to be a serious candidate to take over in 2019 or 2020.
Rummenigge and Hoeness are said to be wanting to find out more about the team's mood before making a decision on Kovac. Saying the Croatian will be in charge "this Tuesday" (Hoeness) has increased the discussion about the coach's future and indicated Kovac has lost the leaders' support.
To appoint former Bayern professional Hasan Salihamidzic as sports director turned out to be a fatal mistake. Salihamidzic lacks experience in the job and wasn't equipped with all powers.
