Young Blood, More Creativity: Bayern Munich's Quiet Overhaul Has Made Them Champions League Favourites
News 18A year ago Bayern Munich had narrowly emerged as champions in one of the tightest Bundesliga title races, and ended up overhauling their ageing squad as veterans Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Rafinha left. Fast forward 12 months and a leaner, stronger and faster Bayern are not only German league and Cup winners again but they produced one of the most remarkable displays in European soccer on Friday as they obliterated five-time European champions Barcelona 8-2 to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Flick also restored Thomas Mueller back to his favourite position behind striker Robert Lewandowski, plucking the World Cup-winning attacking midfielder from the bench where he had been dropped by predecessor Niko Kovac. Instilling confidence was also key in keeping Jerome Boateng at Bayern and maintaining Philippe Coutinho, on loan from Barca, in top form despite playing only a substitute role throughout the season.