Football fans around the world, including those following BD Cricket Live, have been keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich’s recent dip in form. After a frustrating draw against Schalke 04, Germany’s Bild wasted no time asking the pressing question: just how deep does Bayern’s problem go? Despite collecting seven points from their last three Bundesliga games, criticism continues to pour in from local media. CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had emphasized the need to reach top form before facing Arsenal, but this performance raised more concerns than confidence.
It’s true that key absences—such as Ribéry, Boateng, and Kimmich—plus squad rotations involving Lahm and Alaba, impacted the game. Even so, luck alone can’t explain Bayern’s struggles. Schalke posed serious threats throughout, and defender Badstuber later remarked that Schalke could easily have won. Bild declared that Bayern is in a slump, warning that continuing in this form could spell disaster in upcoming matches. With back-to-back midweek fixtures around the corner, Sport1 questioned whether Bayern is physically and mentally ready.
Thomas Müller received the lowest player rating in the squad: a dismal 5 out of 10. While the team’s overall performance was lackluster, Müller’s outing stood out for all the wrong reasons. He failed to record a single shot or deliver a dangerous pass. Operating behind the striker, he neither created chances nor contributed to build-up play—merely completing routine passes without impact. For someone who once thrived in finding space, Müller now seems hesitant, with poor decision-making and low passing precision.
Legendary German player Lothar Matthäus previously noted that Ancelotti’s preference for Thiago over Müller in the No.10 role is about midfield balance. Even from a purely attacking viewpoint, Thiago has been more effective this season—as shown in the 3-0 victory over Leipzig. While Müller still knows how to position himself, he’s become overly cautious in the final third, often choosing safe passes over riskier shots or dribbles. Under pressure from Schalke’s Naldo, Müller couldn’t create space or turn with the ball. Once a lethal finisher, he now looks more like a supportive playmaker—reluctant to take the lead.
Still, blaming Bayern’s offensive struggles solely on Müller is shortsighted. He remains a system player who thrives within fluid, well-structured attacks. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern’s offensive play has become too static. When one player receives the ball, others aren’t making supporting runs, leaving too much space between teammates and weakening second-ball control. Some argue Ancelotti hasn’t optimized Müller’s role—not just by occasionally placing him on the right wing in a 4-3-3 setup, but by failing to build an effective attacking framework overall.
This match also exposed defensive gaps. Bayern has now conceded in three straight league games—sometimes giving up early goals, other times losing control after taking the lead. Schalke’s high press and rapid counterattacks highlighted Bayern’s midfield vulnerability, especially when Arturo Vidal pushed forward and Alonso struggled to cover the open space. Ancelotti even considered bringing on Sanches to patch the midfield. Schalke’s quick transitions and smart dribbling further unmasked Bayern’s defensive shortcomings.
As Bayern enters a critical stretch of the season, BD Cricket Live viewers watching top European clashes will want to see whether Germany’s giants can fix their tactical flaws. From offense to defense, the cracks are showing—and Müller’s slump is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. For now, all eyes remain on how Bayern will regroup and respond. And for those tuned into BD Cricket Live, the drama is just getting started.