Germany powerhouse Bayern Munich has strengthened their squad to become a major force in Europe.Most teams have their football philosophy with either attack or defensive minded systems to win games. In the past, the Bavarians were known for defensive minded play and use of counter attacks to score goals. Today the philosophy at Bayern seems to have changed with the offensive philosophy being high on agenda.Champion’s League is always a top target for big European clubs, and certainly the Bavarians have big sight on this trophy. In the past three seasons, Bayern have always managed to reach the later stages of the lucrative competition, an indicator of the developed strength in depth at the club.They have always performed well from the preliminary stages of the tournament up to the end. Last season, they were placed in the group of death comprised of Manchester City, Italian outfit Napoli and Spanish side Villarreal and the Bavarians emerged top.Their recent success in the competition shows the level of commitment by the club owners. Bayern, who finished as Bundesliga runners up to Borussia Dortmund last season, looks a better team. They have a strong squad in depth with every position having two or three top players. They are four time Champion’s League winners and have been yearning for the fifth star since 2001 when they lifted the trophy at the expense of Valencia.With the most elite European competition due to kick-start in two weeks’ time, the Bavarians look healthier than most of the old big European clubs in the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan.Bayern have always strengthened their squad progressively in recent seasons and their signings have been very productive. For example, few new Franck Ribery as a top class footballer before he came to Bayern.Dutchman Arjen Robben was rejected by Real Madrid but he is one of the deadly wingers in Europe today. He is actually much better than many of Real Madrid players. Ribery and Robben have made a fierce attacking coalition at Bayern.Bayern have made their intention for the new season quite clear with the acquisition of Javi Martinez from Spanish club Athletic Bilbao for fee of 40 million Euros. The Spanish international becomes the most expensive player for the Bavarians in the past three seasons’.His arrival will make their health midfield even healthier. Bayern already do possess one of the best midfielders in Europe with the likes of Germany internationals Bastian Schweignstieger and Tony Kroos, Brazilian Luiz Gustavo and Anatolily Tymoschuk.Martinez will offer Bayern boss Jupp Heyckes a wide selection plan with five top players competing for only two first team slots.Bayern has already signed Brazilian stopper Dante from Borrussia Monchengladbach to strengthen their defense. Dante has formed a strong partnership with Jerome Boateng and could be considered a head of Germany international Holger Badstuber. With goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and a host of attacking prospects, rivals should have reason to be warry of Bayern.Although the two Spanish sides Barcelona and Real Madrid have strong teams too, they have not been very impressive at the start of the season.Barcelona have a leaky defense like it was last season. The likes of Gerald Pique, Midfield-natured Mascherano and veteran Carlos Puyol are no longer good enough to compete at the top flight. Barcelona have added midfielder Alexander Song from Arsenal but the Cameroonian might take long to adapt to the Catalan style of play.Real Madrid look less fit than last season and have dropped a couple of points at the start of this season’s Spanish league. They have signed Luka Modric from Tottenham who could provide them with spark in the midfield. Manchester United also look less likely to improve as they still have a leaky defense comprised of veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Though they have signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal, the Red devils will still let in goals.
