Clubs Not Fighting

               

The most surreal aspect of Bayern's 'at a canter' victory is that we had no reason to be shocked at its manner or method, for this is a side at the very zenith of football.When quizzed about the reason for Bayern's success this season, Michael Ballack answered each question with unerring similarity. Why are they so defensively secure? That's down to the coach. How were they able to nullify Barca? That's down to the coach. Erm. who on earth got Arjen Robben to track back? That's down to the coach. After the disappointing nearly-but-not-quite of last season (finishing second in all three competitions), Bayern have responded in unprecedented fashion. They hold a 20-point Bundesliga lead (already achieving a record points total) and have scored 59 goals since they last dropped a point in the league on December 14.Much of the discussion on Wednesday night focused on Bayern as the new dominant force of European football, consistently citing the arrival of Pep Guardiola as evidence. But is that not rather disrespectful to their outgoing manager? Should Bayern win at Wembley, Heynckes will have overseen the greatest campaign in the club's history. Follow that, Pep.In Europe, such domination has continued. Since underperforming against Arsenal during March's last-16 second leg, Bayern have scored 11 goals against Juventus and Barcelona without conceding. This is the Champions League; it's not meant to be this easy.And whilst Bayern will surely benefit from the Spaniard's reputation and evident coaching acumen, the loss of Heynckes will be felt by players and fans. Bayern's loss will surely be another club's gain, just so long as someone shows some interest.If Bayern have reached their peak as a team, manager Jupp Heynckes is enjoying one of the great sporting swansongs. It would have been very easy for the then 66-year-old to have walked away after the utter debilitation of a Champions league final defeat on penalties in your home stadium, but Heynckes chose redemption over resignation, and Bayern's incredible response is largely thanks to the coach's determination and tactical preparation.