By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Although Bayern Munich won their Champions League group match 2-0 against the reigning Greek champions AEK Athens, turmoil still reigns in the club as controversial discussions continue about its public image and less-than-satisfactory performances.
Former Bayern captain Lothar Matthaeus complained about the side's poor overall state. "I don't see a team in harmony. The team is far away from realizing its full potential," the 1990 World Cup winner said.
The 57-year-old said too many egos are harming the team's progress. "I see too many jealousies. It still seems [as if] many of the current players are busy with their own purposes instead of caring about the team's general benefit," said the former German national team captain.
Matthaeus said Bayern coach Niko Kovac is trying to ease the tension surrounding his team but is still facing a difficult time as the club leaders aren't providing proper support.
Kovac does not only have to deal with an incomplete squad selected by the club's officials but the entire club is also still suffering from the effects of an extraordinary press conference involving chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Uli Hoeness. Both caused widespread criticism after accusing the media of "disrespect" and of breaking the German constitution.
Only seconds later, Hoeness said former Bayern left-back Juan Bernat (now with Paris Saint-Germain) played "crap" in a Champions League match in Sevilla and said it was the reason why they sold him.
Four games without a win led to reports that the club bosses were looking at former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger and former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane as possible replacement for Kovac.
Several Bayern fans have canceled their memberships. Former Bayern legend Paul Breitner said he is no longer friends with Hoeness and spoke about the "irreparable damage" done to the club.
The club management's attempt to back several criticized players and Kovac has backfired, which is believed to have increased the team's insecurity.
The 46-year-old coach seems to be fighting the crisis with stricter player management. Kovac left out key performers like Thomas Mueller and Jerome Boateng to regain consistency.
German media assume Kovac is trying to find a regular starting eleven without considering past achievements and glories. "We have to stop looking for minor problems in our games. What is important is that we won the game and dominated our opponent," Kovac said after beating underdogs AEK Athens.
Unsolved problems remain as Kovac is continuously being accused of not finding suitable solutions for the team's attacking game. Older stars demanding a regular place in the team seem to be slowing down the expected progress. Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Mueller, James Rodriguez, Mats Hummels and Boateng are said to be upset when being sidelined by the coach.
Central defender Hummels admitted the team still lacks precision and plays too many bad passes, which he believed is a fundamental problem. The German international added that the team isn't creating enough satisfying solutions in their attacking game.
"We lack the awareness to notice when dangerous situations are developing due to our games not being resolute enough," Hummels added.
Hummels' statement appeared like an urgent request addressed at his coach and teammates to improve before the Bavarians enter the Champions League knockout stage next spring.
Optimism has not fully vanished after the second consecutive victory. Robben said the side intends to start an unbeaten run and win every game up until Christmas.
"Things will look much brighter then," the Dutch striker said.
