by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Making the best of a challenging situation appears to be Bayern Munich's plan as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League group fixture against underdog Bratislava.
A 3-0 defeat to Feyenoord left deep scars, making direct qualification for the next round seem nearly impossible and rendering two February play-off matches increasingly likely. While domestic form has been positive, the Rotterdam setback deals a blow to a club that aspires to remain among Europe's elite.
Talks with key players, such as captain Joshua Kimmich and rising star Jamal Musiala, have reportedly stalled. Both are said to want a convincing sporting blueprint for the future.
"At present, we are no top team," midfielder Kimmich said after the disappointment in Rotterdam.
The 29-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, termed his upcoming decision "a decisive moment in my career." He noted that he is assessing "where I can have the most success over the next three to four years."
Meanwhile, Musiala's camp appears to be taking a similar line. Rumors suggest the 22-year-old wants a release clause, which clashes with Bayern's usual policy of not including such provisions.
Speculation about Kimmich speaking to Real Madrid has heightened pressure on sporting director Max Eberl, who also needs to handle negotiations with Alphonso Davis. Musiala's contract runs until 2026, while Kimmich and Davis could leave on a free in 2025.
Club officials say they want to make both sought-after players central figures for years to come, but drawn-out talks could raise the risk of a departure. Kimmich said he views Bayern as being on the right path, yet needs "a sportive perspective" to commit to new terms.
Reports suggest both players could earn between 15 million and 20 million euros per year. Sealing at least one renewed contract might ease tensions, given that the German champion is in a period of transition.
Coach Vincent Kompany remains a steadying influence, evidently held in high regard by the squad.
"I stay calm as always, despite setbacks such as the one against Feyenoord. The most important thing is us investigating what we can improve and the answers we give on the pitch in competition," the 38-year-old Belgian explained.
Kompany continues to advocate a step-by-step approach. However, securing a win against Bratislava may need to be followed by a breakthrough in talks with Kimmich and Musiala if Bayern want to stay on track for the Champions League final in their home stadium on May 31. ■
