Achse Droht as Bayern’s wobbling axis fuels crisis fears
FC Bayern have gone four weeks without a win after drawing 2‑2 at Augsburg and 3‑3 at Viking Stavanger, a slump that began with the international break and has left the club teetering on the edge of a serious crisis.
Early setbacks expose defensive frailties
Both matches featured alarmingly early concessions – an eight‑second goal against Augsburg, the fastest ever in Bundesliga history, and a 72‑second strike in Stavanger. In Augsburg keeper Manuel Neuer mishandled the ball, while Min‑Jae Kim’s errant clearance set up the Norwegian side’s opener.
Vincent Kompany described the incidents as “over‑confidence”, accusing his players of seeking overly creative solutions that left gaps in the back line.
Recurring patterns and disciplinary woes
The second goals in each game stemmed from a poorly timed diagonal pass that split Bayern’s defence, a scenario Viking captain Zlatko Tripić warned about in a pre‑match press conference.
In Stavanger, a double‑pack from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz sparked a comeback to 3‑2, only for Michael Olise to receive a yellow for a tactical foul and a second yellow for throwing the ball at an opponent, resulting in a red card that Kompany called “over‑stupid”.
Vincent Kompany condemns Bayern player after dramatic 3-3 draw in Stavanger
Joshua Kimmich’s later mistake led to the final equaliser, highlighting the team’s inability to protect the ball under pressure.
Key players under pressure and referee criticism
Several senior figures are now facing personal scrutiny. Neuer’s error has reignited debate over a possible early change in the Munich goalkeeping hierarchy, while Kimmich’s national‑team performances have been questioned by midfield partner Aleksandar Pavlović.
Luis Diaz, returning from a brief leave, appeared tense, and Jonathan Tah struggled after a weak first half in Stavanger.
Olise must now serve a suspension that will see him miss the upcoming clash with Arsenal, a consequence he described as “completely justified”.
Norwegian media hail Viking Stavanger as Bayern remains in shock
Both matches also saw Bayern complain about officiating – in Augsburg over a denied goal for Diaz, and in Stavanger over Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov’s handling of the game – though Kompany admitted the focus on the referee may have distracted the squad.
Since Kompany’s appointment in summer 2024, Bayern have endured at least two winless Pflichtspiele on four occasions, three of which occurred in his debut Premier season and the latest this spring.