Bayern’s “dream” coming true?
They are arguably the best team in the history of BundesLiga, the German league. They have the reputation of bringing the best from all the parts of the world, and of giving their country bright dependable talents. Yet Bayern Munich missed being crowned as the champions last year. Agreed, it was not by a huge margin, but it was very uncharacteristic. In fact, it was their worst season in 11 years. They missed out the coveted Champions league place!
So what did they do? Did they start the blame game? Did they hide their faces in shame? No. They made a public statement. That they would pump in millions of dollars to make a “Dream Team”.
And pump in they did. By the end of their shopping spree, they had spent a record 93 million dollars. They now have big stars. World cup 2006 wonder boy for France, Frank Ribery, Mr. Golden boot, Miroslav Klose, Italian goal machine, Luca Toni, form the new and improved squad. Ze Roberto is also back after spending a whole year in Brazil.
Frank Ribery was bought in for 25 million euros. This dynamic attacking midfielder can be described as the terminator, if one looks at his world cup parlay with France. He has the ability to turn a game and to inspire the whole team in a matter of minutes.
Miroslav Klose already shares a special place in the German history. After Gerd Mueller, he has the second best strike ratio in Bayern’s history. 15 million Euros was enough to separate him from Werder Bremen.
Luca Toni also didn’t have much trouble coming in from Fiorentina. Everyone remembers his contribution to Italy’s success in the world cup.
With so much new force up front, and also in the mid-field, Bayern were ready to let go of their leading striker, Dutch Roy Makaay, and Owen Hargreaves. Owen was already in the hunt by Manchester United. Pizarro could also be afforded to be given away to Chelsea.
Alright, so we have a picture-perfect, or in this case, a paper-perfect team. Does this team have the potential, and more importantly, the hunger, to lift the team back to its glory? Can Bayern outdo the competition? Can they dream of the European Glory once again?
The mind numbing start to the season sure replies to those questions in positive. Bayern are already on top with two thumping victories in two matches. They defeated Hansa Rostock 3-0 in their debut match. Then they finished Werder Bremen with a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of the injury laden side in Werder’s home ground!
Luca Toni has already proved his flexibility and consistency with two goals in two games. It is hard to believe that it is the same Toni who had a metatarsal operation in May. Miroslav Klose has stamped his authority on the German soil and proved once and for all his “poacher” reputation with two goals in the opener. Frank Ribery did justice to his “inspiring” image with the perfect start in the Bremen game.
With this attitude at display, it looks like the German league is divided into two parts, one part comprising of Bayern Munich, and the others forming the rest of the league who have an uphill task of trying to stop the rampage!
