BERLIN, June 7 -- Bayern Munich are on their way to new heights in the Bundesliga. The reigning German champions are rapidly approaching the national league's finish line. After beating rivals Dortmund 1-0, Bayern crushed Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 this weekend.
The Bundesliga's goal record of 101 from the 1971/72 season is within sight, with Bayern having scored 90 goals in 30 matches with four more to come. The "Meisterschale" championship bowl and the German Cup already seem within touching distance.
Winning these titles might please the club, if there wasn't a vital desire still unsatisfied such as winning the Champions League.
Many experts agree that Bayern side are Europe's most balanced team at present. But kicking the can down the road appears a challenge.
UEFA is following plans to finish the 2019-20 Champions League season in the form of a tournament played within ten days in late August in one city. Latest reports speak of Lisbon as first choice, with Frankfurt and Moscow also under consideration. A decision is said to be made by June 17.
"Having to take a break at the end of June or mid-July when the national campaign is done is a significant disadvantage for German clubs. It is an advantage for clubs from Spain, England and Italy," said former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
The Bundesliga was notably Europe's first league to return to action after the COVID-19 outbreak brought national campaigns to a halt by mid-March.
Having accomplished the job at home, German clubs will have to wait for the leagues of other Champions League participants to finish. In contrast to German sides, their opponents could benefit from competition directly following their season's end.
The Spanish, English, and Italian leagues are getting ready to restart by mid-June.
However, the expected break might not inevitably be a drawback for German football, according to Liverpool's German head coach Jurgen Klopp.
"You need all of your key performers in the best shape to make it over the line. That's why Bayern has a great chance to win the competition. In case of slight injuries, there is time to recover," the 2019 Champions League-winning coach emphasized, adding that Manchester City, in his view, remain the favorites.
The 52-year-old praised Bayern currently riding the wave. "This looks smooth at the moment, but it needs to stay that way," the former Borussia Dortmund coach added.
Not able to foresee the outcome, Bayern striker Thomas Muller said the solution is far from ideal.
"I am a little skeptical," the 30-year-old commented. "But there is no time to complain. We have to take things as they come as we still intend to win the thing," he added.
First of all, Bayern have to wait to see how teams in other countries come out of their enforced break, Muller underlined.
Bayern won the first leg of their last-16 tie against Chelsea 3-0, and RB Leipzig have already qualified for the following round.
Bayern coach Hansi Flick is already on his way to prepare his squad for a possible break in advance of the Champions League tournament.
Flick indicated another mental challenge is waiting, but that can be turned into an advantage if all keep their feet behind the line. "After a season like that, a team might benefit from getting their heads free and recover," the 55-year-old said.