The Trials and Tribulations of Michael Rensing and FC Bayern Munich

By: Aryo Michaelsen
Wednesday, 2nd September 2009

For the past two seasons Bayern has played (though not consistently) with a certain Michael Rensing in goal, and for those past two seasons he has come under constant criticism. Rensing, yhe on and off first choice goalie for Bayern Munich took over the reins of Oliver Kahn at the start of the 2008-2009 Bundesliga season, starting as first choice goalie but ending up on the bench for the last couple games.

Now, only 4 matches into the new season, the 25 year old ex-German U21 international goalie is starting from the bench again. After a 2-1 defeat to Mainz, a match where his costly blunder lead to one of the goals, veteran German goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt was reinstated as number one. This has spawned a media frenzy as they as they (vultured at) {pounced on,)every blunder he has made throughout his reign as Bayern’s first choice, and constantly (?) compared him to past Bayern Number ones stressing their need to acquire a new one.

Although Rensing cannot be compared with past Bayern goalies, maybe that’s what needs to be done. Steer clear of commenting on his mediocrity, and perhaps, with time, he will grow into that goalkeeper that he believes he can become and we can focus on the real problems with the club.

Bayern has a stubborn management, which doesn’t want to be told what to do and doesn’t want to be proven wrong. For example, their ever changing goalkeepers, due to last season’ sudden lack of confidence, for a second time appointed him, their first choice goalkeeper but don’t really seem to care about Rensing. History seems to be repeating itself.
In addition, demonstrating their indifference to Rensing by attempting and failing to sign goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from rivals Schalke last month.But perhaps, failing to replace Brazil’s captain, Lucio That gap clearly needs to be filled, with Bayern’s other South American defender, Demichelis injured, and given Van Buyten’s dismal display in Mainz.

Lucio, was arguably Bayern’s best defender; His biggest drawback is that he’s a loose cannon. He tends to overcomplicate the simple, and is often caught out of position due to his attack instincts. The media is pointing the finger at the wrong person, or in this case, party. Instead of buying two good defenders, a right back, a position severely in need of coverage since Willy Sagnol’s untimely retirement, and a center back. Bayern brought in a whole bunch of mediocre players (most of whom they didn’t have to pay for) who simply aren’t up to Bayern Munich standards.

With that said, I propose a simple solution. Buy a right back and a center back. Many players that might consider a move to Bayern come to mind. Sticking to the team’s tradition of buying German internationals, they could sign Per Mertesacker or Arne Friedrich. If those players cannot be signed, why not sign Luisao, a player constantly rumored to be moving outside Portugal, or maybe the Italians Zaccardo, Barzagli, or Legrottaglie, maybe even Lucio’s national team-mate Juan, or Schalke right back Rafinha. All good players, who could be acquired for half the price of their last major purchase, Mario Gomes.

Maybe I, like all other impatient Bayern critics, are not giving the team enough time to gel. Plus, its not like the board is going to spend any more money on their squad, especially after forking out €25 million on Dutch winger Arjen Robben. Finally, with the transfer window closed, it looks like no one will be coming in any time soon. Or at least till January. Buy after Bayern’s convincing 3-0 win over champions Wolfsburg, and Robben bagging two goals on his debut. It looks as though slowly but surely, the club is getting their act together.