Bayern Munich romped to the Bundesliga title once again, but failure in the cup competitions meant that the campaign was defined by disappointment. The rich resources at the club’s disposal coupled with inconsistent challenge from rivals translated into total supremacy in the league for the Bavarians. However, it was the capitulation against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals that blemished the joy of Bayern’s third straight Bundesliga title.
It didn’t help that the German side had exited in a not too dissimilar manner against Real Madrid at the same stage in 2014. To make matters worse, Bayern failed to convert a single penalty in the shootout as it exited the DFB Pokal (German Cup) in the last four against Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola's pre-season plans of playing a three-man defence had been wrecked by a cruciate ligament injury to Javi Martinez. Despite the acquisition of Medhi Benatia, the manager was unable to deploy his plans in full as the backline lacked the ball-playing qualities of Martinez.
Some suggested that the drop in quality of Bayern’s competitors was a contributing factor in the German side's continental failure. An early wrap-up of the title led to a drop in hunger and intensity, particularly when the business-end of other competitions arrived.
But largely, Guardiola's tactical nous placed Bayern on a higher pedestal. The fluidity of his formations and strategies kept most opponents guessing. The quality of the players at his disposal made his task only easier. Furthermore, Guardiola's stamp on the side became more evident last season.
Worry lines
The final year of Guardiola's contract represents a significant challenge for the manager. Not only is he expected to finally claim European glory with Bayern, he has also been entrusted with imagining the future of the club. The likes of Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are on the wrong side of 30, while the squad has already lost a leader in Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Hence, a younger generation will need to be prepared for replacing the senior pros. The acquisitions of Douglas Costa and Joshua Kimmich point in this direction. And, to ensure immediate competitiveness, Arturo Vidal will add strength to an already robust midfield.
However, this raises a few awkward questions for Guardiola. Having already fielded David Alaba and Lahm in midfield, the manager has too many options in the central areas. This could lead to a few grumbles among players who don't play often. The problem could become pronounced in the case of young talents like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Even if Guardiola leaves next summer, he wouldn't want to be accused of leaving the team in a worse position. Hence, this season will make or break his legacy at Bayern.
Transfers: Douglas Costa, Arturo Vidal (imminent), Joshua Kimmich.
Stats
* The Bavarians set a Bundesliga record by keeping a 22nd clean sheet of the season, while keeper Manuel Neuer's 20th league game without conceding a goal was also a league record.
* Having let in only 18 goals in their 34 games, they also equalled their own league record from their treble-winning 2012-13 season for the fewest goals conceded.
