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peterbllee
Feb 23, 2024

When reporting of Bayern sacking its manager, Thomas Tuchel, descriptions of Bayern's performance that caused his sacking includes words like dreadful and dismal. I disagree with such descriptions of Bayern and will support my opinion with figures. Last season, Bayern won the Bundesliga by scoring 71 points, 92 goals, conceding 38 goals and had a goal difference of 54. Dortmund also had 71 points but was clearly inferior in terms of goals: scoring 84, conceding 44, difference 39 22 matches of the Bundesliga has been played this season out of the total of 34 matches. From the 22 matches, Bayern has 50 points, scored 61 goals, conceded 25 , difference 36 This is an average of 2.27 points per match compared to the average of 2.09 for the last season. Assuming that Bayern's average at the end of this season is the same as the current figures, the figures at the end of the season (multiplying the current figures by 34/22) will be: 77 points, scoring 94, conceding 38, difference 56. The projected figures is better than the 71 - 92 - 38 - 54 when Bayern won the 2022/23 season. The 77 points is the same as for the 2021/22 season when the runner up, Dortmund had figures of 69 - 85 - 52 - 33. From the above, it can be seen that the level of Bayern's performance this season is more than enough to win both the last 2 seasons. What happened this season is the spectacular performance by Leverkusen. Leverkusen is the only team in the Bundesliga that is undefeated. It won 18 matches and drew 4 giving it 58 points, scoring 57 goals, conceding 15, difference 42. Using Leverkusen current averages to project over 34 matches will give it 89 points, scoring 88, conceding 23, difference 65. What is spectacular about Leverkusen this season is the strength of its defense which helps it get so many points and have a big goal difference. If you study the current Bundesliga table, you will find that Leverkusen has scored 57 goals which is more than any other team except Bayern who scored 61. Bayern's performance in both attack and defense this season is good and as shown earlier is no worse than for the last 2 seasons won by Bayern. Bayern did NOT do dreadfully or dismally this season as alleged. Tuchel was a victim of 2 factors: 1) The extremely high expectations of Bayern having won the Bundesliga for 11 consequtive seasons since 2011. 2) The spectacular performance by Leverkusen this season whiich threatens to end the 11 year streak of Bayern. Is there any other team in any of the major leagues around the world that has won the top tier national league 11 years running? My sympathy goes to Thomas Tuchel. I am glad that his sacking is not with immediate effect but he will complete the current season. Although he may not win the Bundesliga because of Leverkusen, he can guide Bayern to results which will make any other team happy. Bayern with 50 points is almost certain of a top 4 finish in the Bundesliga and qualify for next year's Champions League. The current 4th and 5th placed teams, Dortmund and RB Leipzig have 41 and 40 points. Bayern is still in contention in the current year's Champions League.