Three observations from Bayern Munich’s comfortable 6-1 win against Fenerbahce S.K.

Bayern Munich dispatched an over-matched Fenerbache side, 6-1 in Audi Cup action at the Allianz Arena. Here are some observations on the blowout victory:

Weak Fenerbahce performance

The Fenerbahce players had a miserable evening in their first game in Munich. The most successful side in Turkey, winning the Turkish league 28 times, came to Bavaria wanting to start over after a disheartening season. They were in a relegation spot in December and, although they recovered in 2019, they ended their campaign in a disappointing 6th-place finish.

Today, both of their starting center-backs, Sadik Ciftpinar and Jailson, were actually right-backs who played out of position. The calamitous state of their back four was proven again and again. They couldn’t keep their shape and they brought trouble on themselves with sloppy play. The first goal was a result of the back line being out of sync. The third goal was an absolute howler by Nabil Dirar. The fourth and fifth goals were the result of the Turkish side’s inability to clear the ball. The sixth was another individual mistake by the Turkish goalkeeper Harun Tekin.

Fenerbache almost looked uninterested after the second goal. Their captain Hasan Ali Kaldrim had to go off injured in the 21st minute. Before that, Fenerbahce’s 4-4-2 worked well, and Bayern did not have one clear chance. Afterwards, Fenerbache crumbled for the rest of the first half. Even though the second half went better for the Istanbul side, it was a game to forget.

The thousands of Fenerbache fans who had traveled to the Allianz Arena frequently booed their team. It was a shame, but a bit understandable. It resulted in Dirar almost walking off the pitch. The fans at least had a chance to celebrate when newly transferred Max Kruse scored with a well-placed finish.

On an unrelated note: Thomas Müller having a word with Dirar after he almost walked off epitomizes his warm character. He didn’t have to say anything, but he chose to encourage Dirar, who played the rest of the game with his head held high.

Bayern’s core looks good

Despite the fact that this Fenerbahce was far from its best, Bayern Munich’s core players look very solid for the upcoming season. Kingsley Coman, who before the 2018-2019 season was not considered a starter, looks like he can have another season where he seriously progresses. The same goes for Leon Goretzka, another young player who looks like he can take another step forward next season. Thomas Müller, David Alaba, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski and Niklas Süle look solid, and it has shown in this summer preseason games.

What is worrying, thought, is that Serge Gnabry had to go off in the 20th minute. Injuries are a part of the game and will always happen. Gnabry didn’t look seriously injured, but it could, of course, have been worse. If Bayern can add two or three players, the squad will look more well-rounded and most importantly, one that has the potential to be even better than last season.

Is there still a chance for Renato Sanches?

Renato Sanches looked very good today. I for one think he has a serious chance to break-through next season. He is very technical and is constantly on the move. If Kovac could give the young Portuguese more game time this season, there’s a chance he can develop into the player Bayern thought he could be when they bought him in 2016.

Sanches is still only 21-years-old. After he left his hometown at the young age of 18, things have not gone as planned. It is understandable why he lost his confidence and why there have been times he has wanted to leave Munich.

Give him playing time, make him feel comfortable, and there is no reason to not believe he wouldn’t become a great player. The talent is there.