Bayern's Robert Lewandowski, 2nd left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayern Munich at the Borussia Park in Moenchengladbach, Germany, Jan 8, 2021. (MARTIN MEISSNER / POOL / AP)

BERLIN - The mood around 2020 treble winners Bayern Munich has reached rock bottom.

Coach Hansi Flick could not stop the growing number of goals conceded after several players lacked the needed shape. Neither could last summer's new arrivals solve the problems Bayern are facing

The team of coach Hansi Flick finds itself in the middle of a crisis after an embarrassing defeat in the second round of the German Cup against second-tier side Holstein Kiel after a penalty shootout.

The Bavarians seem to have lost their game dominance, and are also struggling due to a mental problem.

The 55-year-old Flick couldn't stop the growing number of goals conceded after several players lacked the needed shape. Neither could last summer's new arrivals solve the problems Bayern are facing.

Flick is getting under fire as critics regarding his risky tactics don't end.

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Bayern Munich's coach Hansi Flick, right, stands at the sidelines during the German Cup second round match between Holstein Kiel and Bayern Munich at the Holstein Stadium in Kiel, Germany, Jan 13, 2021. (CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS / DPA VIA AP)

To repeat the triumphal treble has become impossible as tensions around the Bayern coach grow, including accusations that he has chosen the wrong tactics.    

Bayern have won most games despite its weaknesses. The game in Kiel might change things ahead of the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Tactics

"We have been talking about the reasons on how we conceive goals many times. We said we need to control the center and take care of the deep spaces behind the back-row," Flick said.

The Bayern coach spoke of a shock-like state after the first defeat against a lower-class team for 17 years.   

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Bayern's approach to counting on a high pressing line turns into a problem as opponent teams have found a way to get over the last line with sharper passing through the defense center.

Most of the 10 goals Bayern had to take in the last three games against Mainz, Moenchengladbach, and Kiel were of the same origin.

Critics demand a change to the tactical approach to make things more comfortable due to the team's load in the currently stressful period with only a few training sessions due to week games.   

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer reacts during the German Cup second round match between Holstein Kiel and Bayern Munich at the Holstein Stadium in Kiel, Germany, Jan 13, 2021. (CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS / DPA VIA AP)

Mental problem

Like other big clubs, Bayern have to deal with the difficulties of an unusual season. Having to play the Champions League's final round until the end of August, the club had to start into the new season without the usual recovery break.

Only after a few days, preparation for the new season had to start.

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Established forces such as Alphonso Davies, Niklas Suele, Serge Gnabry, and Lukas Hernandez lack the best shape.

"The mood is far from good," Thomas Mueller stated, assuming the team is going through some dark hours. "It's far from our best times," the striker said.

New players

New arrivals such as Leroy Sane, Douglas Costa, Marc Roca, and Bouna Sarr so far have not met expectations.

Former Manchester City star and German international Sane, especially, has not reached his peak form after an injury break. The 25-year-old doesn't manage to get his job upfront and defensive issues in balance.

Sane's performance is far from the usual Bayern level after he joined the side last summer.

Holstein Kiel's Jonas Meffert, left, and Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane in action during the German Cup second round match between Holstein Kiel and Bayern Munich at the Holstein Stadium in Kiel, Jan 13, 2021. (CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS / DPA VIA AP)

Coach

Flick had to change the back-row due to injuries continually but at the same time replaced players after a satisfying performance trying to get back to the regular team that achieved last season's success.

No matter what actions he took, measures didn't lead to stability.   

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After Bayern only filled up gaps in his squad with second-row performers, Flick can't gain stability as he doesn't seem to have confidence in many new arrivals entirely.

Uncertain future

The uncertain future of players most likely departing after this season, such as David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez, and Corentin Tolisso, increases instability.