Bundesliga Season Preview

Story posted September 16, 2020 in

Defending German and European champion Bayern Munich looks to defend its German title for the ninth straight year. Bayern has dominated the German top flight for almost a decade, and it does not look like it will be slowing down anytime soon.

Bayern is led by a star-studded attack that consists of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer still reminds viewers that he is still one of the top at his position in the world, and he’s helped by a back line that proved itself throughout last season. Canadian star Alphonso Davies amazed fans and overwhelmed opposing teams with his incredible speed and is going to be a problem for other German oppositions this season.

Bayern has won this competition eight years in a row and is still the clear cut favorite to win its ninth Bundesliga title.

Borussia Dortmund has a quality side but has not gotten the job done since its last title win in 2012. They seem to get close every year but do not have enough gas to finish the race. Dortmund's strength is in its attack. Erling Haaland has established himself as a dynamic and consistent goal scorer, and the assistance of Jadon Sancho creating chances for him has proven a winning formula. Young American Giovanni Reyna is also poised to have a breakout year, as he is expected to join the attack this season. Captain Marco Reus returns from injury but, we will have to wait and see if he still plays up to his prior quality.

If Borussia Dortmund has the right mentality and does not break, it can make a serious run for the title. But then again, it has been the same storyline for the last eight years. Only time will tell if Dortmund can make a breakthrough with its young core.

German dark horse RB Leipzig is certain for a top-four finish this season but could also pose a threat to Bayern and Dortmund. With the loss of top goal scorer Timo Werner, Leipzig will have to find ways to score without him. Leipzig has a style of play that adapts to whatever style the opposing team plays, and young manager Julian Nagelsmann has the tools and mindset to become the next great manager. But without his top scorer, Nagelsmann will have to rely on team goals to boost Leipzig to compete for a title.

The Bundesliga relegation battle is almost as entertaining to watch than the title race. Weston McKennie-led Shalcke could really struggle this season. Expect the fight for survival to be between Schalke, Mainz, Koln, Augsburg and Stuttgart.

The Bundesliga is a three-horse race this year. German superpower Bayern Munich looks to win its ninth straight Bundesliga title, but will Dortmund find a way to finally get over the line, or will RB Leipzig spoil the party?

 

Cole Koffler is a freshman majoring in communications. To contact him, email colekoff13@gmail.com.