Three observations on Bayern Munich’s 0-2 loss to Napoli

#1: Ancelotti plays the youngsters

After losing to Liverpool less than 24 hours ago, Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti was obligated to change the lineup for this game. He chose to start a number of youngsters, including Bayern and Germany U-17 captain Lars Lukas Mai and American starlet Timothy Tillman. Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Rudy were the only players over 25 in the lineup.

They faced off against a Napoli side that still boasted some star names, including Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne, and Dries Mertens. The Bavarian lads started the game strong, creating chances galore and winning possession in midfield. However, an unlucky deflection during a spot kick led to the Neapolitans scoring their first goal.

From then onward, the game was all uphill. Bayern created a plethora of chances, courtesy of Kinglsey Coman. The young Frenchman made marauding runs up and down the right flank, combining with Joshua Kimmich to be an absolute menace to the Italians. It it hadn’t been for some poor finishing from Arturo Vidal and Timothy Tillman, the Bavarians may well have gone into the half with the comfortable lead.

#2: Joshua Kimmich lives up to the captain’s armband

Having worn the armband for Germany a few times in the recently concluded Confederations Cup, it was only a matter of time before Joshua Kimmich was handed the armband to show what he could do at the club level. The youngster didn’t disappoint. Playing like it was a competitive game, Kimmich put in an almost flawless performance at right back. He moved up and down the pitch, providing support to his attacking partner Kingsley Coman while also giving cover to new Bayern transfer Niklas Sule.

His best, however, came after the match. After the referee blew the whistle for full time, jeers and whistling rang out from the crowd at the Allianz Arena. Kimmich, to his utmost credit, called to the players meandering toward the tunnel and brought them over to salute the fans. It was a big gesture to the Bavarian faithful, and for a player so young, Kimmich’s actions seem incredibly mature.

#3: Pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti

The first jeers have been sounded in the Allianz and the season hasn’t even begun. This only goes to show the level of disgust that Bayern Munich fans feel at the moment. Carlo Ancelotti is going into the new season with a miserable preseason campaign behind him - arguably the worst in years. His team will be under immense pressure to perform right from the outset. The first silverware of the season will be contested on Saturday - against Borussia Dortmund in the Supercup. Can Ancelotti pull Bayern out of its slump?