The two clubs will face each other in the Champions League on Tuesday. Bayern is currently top of the group with three points with City tied with Napoli on second with a point.
The word ‘tradition’ has a huge meaning in football. Bayern is a very traditional club. They have an empire built on the hard work of many generations. Franz Beckenbauer, who was part of Bayern’s glittering 70’s side, is now the honorary president of the club. Bayern’s history is glittered with plenty of successes. However, their history also contains memorable losses, most recently in the round of 16 to Inter Milan in the Champions League last season.
Manchester City has very little history to speak of when compared with the German giants. However, the millions invested in the club by foreign owners, has allowed them to tread on the previously uncharted waters of the European Champions League. They won the English FA Cup last season and finished in third in the English Premiership.
In Germany, foreign ownership of a club is not allowed. The ‘50+1’ rule does not allow any owner to own more than 49% of a club. Thus, clubs are generally owned by members. As a result, fans have a large say in the daily matters of the club. Bayern, thus, does not have the financial backing of a rich Middle-Eastern owner.
However, Bayern happens to be one of the richest clubs in the world simply because they refuse to pay large and unnecessary transfer fees for players. Yes, Bayern has paid close to 20 million for Manuel Neuer and in excess of 20 million euros for both Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben.
However, all these signings have come in different seasons. More importantly, none of these signings have left Bayern heavily in debt. The only debt they currently have is the one they are paying off year by year- the stadium debt for the Allianz Arena.
Bayern has a good youth academy. This cannot be denied. Looking across the team, Thomas Mueller, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all come through the youth ranks as have Diego Contento and David Alaba. Mats Hummels, the Dortmund defender, learnt his trade at Bayern.
Manchester City has simply bought more and more stars. They are looking for short term success without looking at what might come back to haunt them in the long-term. A team needs to be successful in order to make profits. This is something Bayern has done well. Can Manchester City maintain a high level for the next decade or so to ensure that they don’t end up in debt?
Manchester City fans are loyal to their side. Bayern fans are absolutely loyal ones too. Bayern retired the number ‘12’ jersey to honour their fans. The club listens to the opinions of fans and maintains a close relationship with them. The stadium is mostly sold out and the sound generated is just amazing.
Manchester City has shown plenty of respect towards their German rivals. They have a player in their ranks who can very well tell them about the history and tradition that Bayern is associated with- Owen Hargreaves.
City is looking to make that kind of tradition and history. All in all, considering the contrast between the two sides in terms of the past, this match will be a very interesting one.
Manchester City has very little history to speak of when compared with the German giants. However, the millions invested in the club by foreign owners, has allowed them to tread on the previously uncharted waters of the European Champions League. They won the English FA Cup last season and finished in third in the English Premiership.
In Germany, foreign ownership of a club is not allowed. The ‘50+1’ rule does not allow any owner to own more than 49% of a club. Thus, clubs are generally owned by members. As a result, fans have a large say in the daily matters of the club. Bayern, thus, does not have the financial backing of a rich Middle-Eastern owner.
However, Bayern happens to be one of the richest clubs in the world simply because they refuse to pay large and unnecessary transfer fees for players. Yes, Bayern has paid close to 20 million for Manuel Neuer and in excess of 20 million euros for both Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben.
However, all these signings have come in different seasons. More importantly, none of these signings have left Bayern heavily in debt. The only debt they currently have is the one they are paying off year by year- the stadium debt for the Allianz Arena.
Bayern has a good youth academy. This cannot be denied. Looking across the team, Thomas Mueller, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all come through the youth ranks as have Diego Contento and David Alaba. Mats Hummels, the Dortmund defender, learnt his trade at Bayern.
Manchester City has simply bought more and more stars. They are looking for short term success without looking at what might come back to haunt them in the long-term. A team needs to be successful in order to make profits. This is something Bayern has done well. Can Manchester City maintain a high level for the next decade or so to ensure that they don’t end up in debt?
Manchester City fans are loyal to their side. Bayern fans are absolutely loyal ones too. Bayern retired the number ‘12’ jersey to honour their fans. The club listens to the opinions of fans and maintains a close relationship with them. The stadium is mostly sold out and the sound generated is just amazing.
Manchester City has shown plenty of respect towards their German rivals. They have a player in their ranks who can very well tell them about the history and tradition that Bayern is associated with- Owen Hargreaves.
City is looking to make that kind of tradition and history. All in all, considering the contrast between the two sides in terms of the past, this match will be a very interesting one.
