Bayern’s autumn slump deepens as Uli Hoeneß warned of trouble

FC Bayern Munich find themselves in a pronounced autumn crisis, with players visibly deflated after a 2‑2 draw in Norway, a situation that former club president Uli Hoeneß says he foresaw. The disappointment follows a 3‑3 Champions League stalemate against Viking Stavanger and a 2‑2 Bundesliga draw with Augsburg, marking a stark contrast to the club’s rosy outlook just three and a half weeks earlier.

From Oktoberfest triumph to sudden reversal

Three and a half weeks ago Bayern celebrated a 7‑0 victory over Union Berlin, a win timed perfectly for the Oktoberfest celebrations before the extended international break. The club’s hierarchy and squad initially welcomed the reshaped calendar, a sentiment echoed by head coach Vincent Kompany and sporting director Max Eberl.

International duties disrupt rhythm

Hoeneß, speaking at the Bavarian Sports Prize gala, blamed the prolonged World Cup break for the loss of rhythm, noting that 18 players were on national duty and returned late, only to be sent away again for holidays. He told, “We are the biggest sufferers of this long break. Our players came back very late and then had to go on vacation.” Joshua Kimmich, Germany captain, and Jonathan Tah each featured in only two internationals before returning early to Munich.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise were among the stars who stayed on duty until the final weekend of the World Cup on 18‑19 July. Their absence, combined with the compressed Nations League schedule – four matches in the first week – left Bayern scrambling to regain match fitness.

Champions League results see Bayern share points in Norway

Youngsters return energized, senior striker stalls

Youth internationals Jonas Urbig and Tom Bischof returned to Bayern buoyed by their recent Germany debuts, while Colombian forward Luis Díaz missed the national team trip entirely and remains out of form despite scoring in Stavanger.

The upcoming weeks will test Bayern’s depth as they face nine matches in 29 days, including Bundesliga clashes with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and SC Freiburg, and Champions League ties against Arsenal and Atlético Madrid. Michael Olise’s suspension after an incident in Stavanger means he will miss the home game against Arsenal, a development Kompany described as “over‑stupid”.

Olise misses Arsenal duel after red card against Stavanger

Despite the bleak run, Hoeneß remains confident that the club can navigate the crisis, having identified the problem early on Saturday evening after the Augsburg draw. His early warning underscores the challenges of balancing club commitments with an unusually early international pause.