Real, Bayern and City fail to live up to expectations
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have all performed below par and have achieved below their expectations this season. These teams arrived at the start of the season expected to be amongst the very best, but that has not gone to plan. Manchester City and Real Madrid were the two betting favorites to go all the way at the start of the season, given their star power. Fans will definitely be scratching their heads, wondering how these teams never managed to reach the heights that they were expected to reach.
Bayern fall short once again
Bayern Munich were excited at the prospect of young, promising manager Kompany taking over the ranks. The Belgian had led Burnley to a Championship title, so he was already a proven coach. His proven experience as a coach, as well as his willingness to stick to club traditions, made him a favorable candidate. While the Bavarians have not had a disastrous season, they certainly will not be satisfied with the season they have had. The Bavarians would have been eyeing the Champions League, but that proved to be out of reach for them. They are also out of the DFB Pokal, meaning that they only have the Bundesliga to fight for. Bayern’s issues can be attributed to not being as clinical with their chances, as well as defensive weaknesses. Their defensive weaknesses have seen them get caught out on the counterattack very easily this season.
City hoping to put miserable season past them
Manchester City will need a complete overhaul of their squad going into next season. Players they could once depend on have shown fragilities, leading to City losing their spark. City have an overaging squad, with the likes of Silva, Gundogan, and De Bruyne being over 30. These players occupy positions that often bring creativity, dominate the midfield, and also provide services to the attack. The loss of Walker, a reliable right back who brought defensive prowess and speed, has also left the Cityzens less effective. Cambiasso and Wirtz remain the two main targets for Man City next season, with Cambiasso known for his ability to play as a fullback on both ends. Wirtz, on the other hand, will bring creativity, passing, and his attacking threat, which is what De Bruyne brought, making him the perfect replacement.
Real Madrid had a season to forget
Los Blancos have displayed poor performances all season, having spectators wondering how they reached far in the Champions League and in the league title race. The club’s lack of balance in midfield and their defensive vulnerabilities have proven to be the main problem for Real Madrid this season. Los Blancos nearly crashed out of the Champions League on a couple of occasions, and these crucial deficiencies have seen them playing with fire. Without a doubt, the loss of Kroos, who could control the game from the midfield, has proven to be an instrumental loss for the Spanish giants.
