No Lewandowski - No problem?
Bayern Munich began their 2022-23 campaign with a perfect head start, with a DFL-Supercup triumph over RB Leipzig and two Bundesliga victories against Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg. The departure of Robert Lewandowski - the main man who led the Bavarian club’s offense with 344 goals in 377 appearances over eight seasons - has sparked questions regarding the striker position at Bayern. No signing for a striker has been made, yet they are still levels above the competition in Germany. Bayern remains the favorite to win all domestic titles.
Bayern has not bought any striker to replace Lewandowski this summer (Image: FC Bayern - fcbayern.com)
It is untrue that Bayern didn’t want to buy a new striker, but rather that they were put into a very tough position. Lewandowski’s sudden urge for a Barcelona move left Bayern’s board without time to look for his replacement. The market for available elite strikers is almost non-existent. Cristiano Ronaldo was mentioned, but it was ultimately decided that he wasn’t suitable for Bayern’s goals. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is only fit for a backup role. Joshua Zirkzee and Mathys Tel are both young, promising strikers, but they are not yet ready to fill Lewan’s role.
On the bright side, Sadio Mane has proven to be comfortable in that No. 9 role, which he usually occupied in the latter half of his last season with Liverpool. This is why Julian Nagelsmann went with the same idea in the previous three games. As a result, despite losing Lewandowski, alongside star signings such as De Ligt, Gravenberch, and Mazraoui - Bayern, they have greatly improved their squad depths.
Mane celebrating with Bayern fans after a game (Image: Getty Images)
It can be said that because of Lewandowski’s departure, Nagelsmann can now utilize all of Bayern’s attacking options in Mane, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller. Mane took no time to fit in the new system, and next to him at striker is Gnabry, who has been impressive as well. Jamal Musiala’s performance reminded us that he is one of the biggest talents in world football.
The new offense scored six goals against Leipzig (6-3) and six against Frankfurt (6-1), who were both strong contenders last season. Three games, 14 goals. We might have to save our doubt for the main stage, which is the Champions League.