Bayern’s dominance overshadows Bundesliga on Klopp’s return

[AP Photo]

When Jürgen Klopp surveys the Bundesliga upon his return as Germany coach, he could be forgiven for looking elsewhere for excitement.

Germany’s top division starts Friday with Bayern Munich expected to saunter to another title with minimal opposition. It would be Bayern’s third in a row and 14th in 15 seasons.

Bayern’s dominance again makes the domestic competition feel like preparation for the Champions League more than a genuine test.

“The battle for starting spots at FC Bayern is more exciting than the race for the German championship,” former West Germany great Lothar Matthäus wrote for Sky, predicting Vincent Kompany’s team would win by more than 10 points.

Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten league and cup double in 2024 is the only blot on Bayern’s record since Klopp led Borussia Dortmund to consecutive titles in 2012.

Dortmund is rebuilding after a summer of change, as is Leverkusen for the second year since its unprecedented success under Xabi Alonso. Stuttgart is the most settled rival in its fourth full season under Sebastian Hoeneß, but the gulf in class and resources is likely too great.

Bayern routed Stuttgart 3-0 in May’s German Cup final, with Harry Kane scoring a hat trick to finish the season with 61 goals. Kane will seek another fast start when Stuttgart visits Munich in Friday’s opener.

Bayern should be stronger in Kompany’s third season. Morocco forward Ismael Saibari arrived from PSV Eindhoven to join Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz in attack, while Germany defender Nathaniel Brown came from Eintracht Frankfurt. Senegalese teenager Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is expected to feature more after Leon Goretzka’s departure.

Jamal Musiala is back after missing much of last season with a broken leg, though questions remain after a neurological issue caused him to collapse during two warmup games following a medication change.

Dortmund’s overhaul began in March, when sporting director Ole Book replaced Sebastian Kehl. Book added attack-minded midfielders Konstantinos Karetsas, Joey Vermaan and Giannis Konstantelias to replace Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt.

Young defenders Joane Gadou and Kaua Prates also arrived, while midfielder Justin Lerma and teenager Takato Yamamoto should receive opportunities under Niko Kovac. More transfers are expected before Sept. 1.

Leverkusen has again turned to a Spanish coach, appointing Carles Martínez after he guided Toulouse to three mid-table French league finishes. Leverkusen’s first post-Alonso season was rocky: Erik ten Hag’s spell was brief, and Kasper Hjulmand could manage only sixth place. Martínez is charged with securing Champions League qualification.

Eintracht Frankfurt, Leipzig and Stuttgart should also contest the lucrative top four. Adi Hütter has returned to Frankfurt after Albert Riera’s volatile tenure ended with an eighth-place finish. Leipzig replaced its coach despite finishing third, leaving Martin Demichelis under pressure. He must cope without Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande, though Christopher Nkunku has returned.

Schalke’s promotion after three seasons away restores the Ruhr derby against Dortmund. Miron Muslic’s team hopes to avoid another one-season stay but may depend heavily on veteran forward Edin Dzeko.

Paderborn and first-time arrival Elversberg are also fighting for survival. Elversberg’s rise is remarkable: The Saarland club played in Germany’s fourth tier in 2021-22.

The title race may feel predictable, but the battles for Europe and survival should be anything but. CIARÁN FAHEY, BERLIN, MDT/AP