How did LVG architect the modern Bayern Munich?
Some of the most important events, tactics, decisions he took during his time at Munich
This thread also covers pre-LVG era, LVG time at AZ, LVG era and legacy of LVG at Bayern
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Bayern Munich have had their peak in 2000-01 under Hitzfeld when they won CL after 35 years
Hitzfeld gave up reigns of Bayern in 2004 as Felix Magath led Bayern to back to back league cup doubles
However, Bayern board's distratrous transfer policy started the downfall

During the 2006-07, Magath was sacked as he lost the dressing room
Players felt insecure as Magath hardly spoke to them
Bayern used to play a very physical game to bully their opponents in the league during Magath's tenure
He lacked tactical acumen and was sacked in January 2007

Hitzfeld was brought back to steady the ship and that he did during his 18 month stay
As usual, Hitzfeld gave atmost importance to a stable defense
The signings of Ribery and Luca Toni helped as Bayern secured another double
He ended his tenure with an emotional farewell

But players like Phillip Lahm were extremly disappointed with the board
He along with most players were disappointed with the board's transfer policy
Lahm was expected to leave Bayern for Barca or Man Utd during this time

The team had no defined playing style and then came Klinsmann
The biggest disaster in recent Bayern history
The board decided to rope in Klinsmann who had no prior club managerial experience
Although he did a commendable job as German national manager, he failed with Bayern

He brought in many changes to Bayern but never got hold of the dressing room
His lack of tactics meant players used to discuss their own tactics before the start of the game
He used to play a flat 4-4-2 with Ribery and Basti on wings

Lahm openly said,"We practically only practiced fitness under Klinsmann, there was very little technical instruction and the players themselves discussed the way they would play a game before the match"
Bayern decided to sack Klinsmann when the UCL spot came under threat in April

Don Jupp Heynckes came to rescue Bayern
He guided Bayern to UCL qualification by winning 4 out of 5 league games
Bayern finished second that season as LVG was announced as next manager

We can never thank this man enough [wait for Jupp's thread till month end]

Back in Netherlands, LVG took over reigns at AZ Alkmaar
The side was spending most of their time in second division a decade earlier
LVG finished 3rd in 1st season, then as runnersup
He wanted to leave AZ at the end of 2008, players asked him to stay till 2009

He did stay and gave AZ their first Eredivisie title in 28 years
Earlier in that season, many pundits predicted them to finish 13th
AZ had the best defensive record in the Eredivisie and the second-best goalscoring record
LVG finished by winning league and moved to Bayern

With so much chaos at Bayern, the club needed an LVG
who is not only strict and disciplined but expects similar standards from his players and staff
If someone doesn't follow his ideals, they will always find it tough under him
He made that Bayern is no longer FC Hollywood

He described himself as “self-confident, dominant and arrogant” to German press in his 1st interaction
LVG was the right choice as his stern voice brought changes in the Bayern dressing room
Coming from Ajax background, LVG brought short passing and technicality to Bayern

He embraced Bayern as his own club in very short time
“The club is like me: self-confident, dominant, arrogant, honest, hard-working, innovative – but also cordial and familial.”
He took so many risks and made sure that Bayern get back to the helm of Europe

LVG backed Thomas Muller in starting lineup
He signed Arjen Robben from Real Madrid as his marquee player
He transformed Bastian from a winger into central midfielder
Even made sure Phillip Lahm plays in his favorite RB position

Basically, he brought in so many changes and created an identity for Bayern
The 4-2-3-1 formation is something that LVG started and is still used by Bayern decade later
Even Jupp, Pep and Ancelotti embraced the playing style as it helped Bayern play to their potential

He decided to play inverted wingers and got the best of Robben and Ribery
This helped Bayern's right wing become lethal
LVG's ego did not bode well with some players including Luca Toni and Ribery
Other players like Lucio left the club immediately as they could not tolerate LVG

LVG was the first in many years to put emphasis on Bayern II team
He brought in Thomas Muller and backed Holger Badstuber as Bayern benefitted massively
He even benched highly rated Michael Rensing and went to veteran keeper Hans-Jorg Butt to get results

But all is not well in the first months in Munich. The team lacked results and there were calls for axe in media
The players and coach needed time to implement his ideas
Bayern were reeling at seventh in Bundesliga and on the verge of exit from group stage in UCL

Bayern were playing better by that time and the turning point came when Bayern beat Juve 4-1 in Turin
They managed to scrap through group stage in second place
As the season went on, the players embraced his ideas and he soon became a darling in Germany

LVG was so impressed with Muller and made him his first choice on teamsheet
“Even if Ribery and Arjen Robben are available, Muller will always play in my team”

The 20-year old Muller thrived and eventually finished that season winning golden boot in World Cup

LVG's philosophy is to play progressive and attacking football
The Bayern fans were in a treat as the team were so good with the ball and in possession after many years
van Gaal was a huge success with a double and UCL final appearance

One of the most iconic LVG moments in Munich is his title celebration. He literally made Bayern his club and it did not go well with some board members.
Most importantly, Uli Hoeness was not impressed as LVG has more control than any other coach before at Bayern

Louis van Gaal's famous speech in Munich's Marienplatz after 2009-10 Bundesliga win [English subbed]

Prior to his second season, Bayern were in defensive crisis
But instead of asking for a star signing, he backed young Diego Contento from academy
Similarly he gave debut to a 17-year old Alaba before sending him on loan for his development

His second season start was much worse than his first.
Bayern did not have their most important player Robben as he missed the entire first half with injury
The team were reeling at 12th position at one phase
They slowly progressed in the league, but lost RO16 to Inter in UCL

Bayern were still very good in attack but conceded a lot of goals at the back
This poor defensive performances came back to bite LVG later in the season
His philosophy to play attacking football was great but lacked pragmatism in defense during his second season

Meanwhile, the heat between Hoeness and LVG grew.
When LVG revealed his autobiography, Rummenigge and Hoeness were in audience
He pointed the book to them and said,“It’s important for you, too, to read this.”
Perhaps this is the point where his time had come to an end in Munich

Hoeness went on a public rant against LVG in early 2011
“A modern football club mustn’t be a one-man show,” he said
The power struggle around the team was immense during this time
LVG was soon sacked with Jupp Heynckes confirmed as the next Bayern coach

In 2012, LVG said: “Hoeness was the only one at the club who always wanted me out”
"As long as Uli Hoeness is in the club, I would not work there"
Perhaps Hoeness and LVG are two people who doesn't fit together because they are so self centric

LVG's legacy is often overshadowed as his successors got better success than him
However, the foundation for this success was created by LVG
He created a system for Bayern to identify with. He brought many stars from youth and practically created lineup that fits his philosophy

He also invented a new word for "party animal"- Feierbiest in German

In an interview after winning Bundesliga, he famously said, “I told my board that we will celebrate every title. I’m a Feierbiest!”

Louis van Gaal is perhaps the most underrated manager in Bayern's recent history
He is the founding father of modern Bayern era
He created something that Bayern fans will cherish for many years to come
[END OF THREAD]
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