It’s definitely too early for that. After all, Nagelsmann has only just begun. At 34, he is by far the youngest coach in these quarterfinals. In Germany, he may have long been a big name. But the world coaching career that many predict for him is still in its early stages. And the decisive weeks of his first Champions League – Season with FC Bayern are seen as the first big test.

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This title remains the measure of all things in Munich. Over the weekend, Dortmund’s defeat to Leipzig saw the last whiff of a title challenge disappear: even if Bayern do indeed lose the points they won in Freiburg at the green table, their tenth consecutive championship should not be in jeopardy. As with so many of his predecessors, only the Champions League will determine whether Nagelmann’s first – Season can be considered a success.

Indeed, so far it has been a – Season with two faces. On the one hand, there were Bayern, who played an impeccable group stage and are the undisputed leaders in the league: A team that added new flair and flexibility to the brilliance of the old flick soccer. On the other hand, there were Bayern, who were humiliated against Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfL Bochum: A team with conspicuous defensive weaknesses, always good for a slip.

In this respect, the question currently arises as to whether Bayern are among the favorites this year at all, or are actually only a greatness in terms of name? The trash talk between the big clubs in Europe has long since begun. Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, has recently sent a tip in the direction of Munich. “Bayern is a team that scores goals, but also concedes many,” he told L’Equipe.

After Villarreal would come Liverpool FC

He’s not wrong. For all Bayern’s strengths, there have been repeated problems this – Season , especially on the counterattack. These were most recently highlighted by RB Salzburg in the Champions League, among others. The Austrians easily defeated Bayern in the round of 16 first leg. It should be more difficult against Real or potential semifinal opponents Liverpool.

First, however, the focus is on the quarterfinals, because there lurks a possible stumbling block in Villarreal. Coach Unai Emery’s reigning Europa League winners may be glaring underdogs, but they have already shown what they are capable of. In the round of 16, the Spaniards caused a surprise when they gave favorites Juventus Turin an early exit with disciplined defensive behavior and ice-cold efficiency.

“They are an experienced team in terms of play, who have already experienced something and who need to be cracked first. Nevertheless, I’m in good spirits that we’ll prevail,” said Nagelsmann.

Villarreal FC is looking for its form

There are also reasons for optimism. For one thing, the Spaniards are not currently in their best form – the gala win against Juve aside. They lost the dress rehearsal against Levante 0:2 at the weekend, and in the league they managed just one goal and one win in the previous three games.

In addition, FC Bayern traveled to Spain with the strongest squad, despite the re-injury of Corentin Tolisso. Alphonso Davies, who has been out for a long time, is included, and Leon Goretzka is also available again. Perhaps Nagelsmann will give the German international a break. Jamal Musiala, who recently impressed for both Bayern and the national team at the six position, could play in his place.

So Nagelsmann has no excuses. Anything less than advancing would be a disaster, and a narrow victory would hardly satisfy anyone. Only a clear success could send the often invoked announcement to the competition. But Nagelsmann is not impressed by that either. “It’s no problem for us to be the favorite. You have to live up to the role and we are well prepared for that,” he said.