Football Season Guide

Bayern München

In


Jerome Boateng (def) (Manchester City), Takashi Usami (mid) (Gamba Osaka) , Manuel Neuer (gk) (Schalke), Rafinha (def) (Genoa), Nils Petersen (att) (Energie Cottbus), David Alaba (mid) (Hoffenheim, loan ends)

Out


Miroslav Klose (att) (Lazio), Andreas Ottl (mid) (Hertha BSC), Hamit Altintop (mid) (Real Madrid), Thomas Kraft (gk) (Hertha BSC)

Bayern Munich endured a torrid season last term which effectively ruled them out of the title race with several months left in the campaign. They acted by firing the manager, as they always do, but they did at least manage to achieve their absolute minimum goal of reaching the Champions League. They finished second, albeit several points behind champions Dortmund, but will expect to regain the title now at the first time of asking. They made a wonderful signing in goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but his history with Schalke means his welcome to the club has been far from warm from a section of the support. Boateng, from Manchester City, should be an excellent defender but Usami and Petersen are considerably more risky signings. It is hard to know just how they will cope playing at this level but Rafinha, who already has Bundesliga experience, should be a solid addition. Gomez, Muller, Ribery and Robben are all magnificent players going forward and if they can stay fit will definitely score goals by the bucketload. Bayern are a strong side and they will be determined to enjoy a dominant season once more after last year's disappointment.

Target


Reclaiming the title is Bayern's main goal but they will also expect to compete in the final stages of the Champions League again.