Bayern Munich are grinding out results rather than cruising, and that tension is shaping the early weeks of their season. A 2-1 win at promoted Elversberg on matchday three kept them in the hunt with seven points from three games, but the performance told a more complicated story. Vincent Kompany needed four substitutions in the 65th minute to turn the game, and he was candid in his praise for the hosts, admitting Elversberg played exactly how Bayern did not want them to. The result leaves the club fourth in the Bundesliga, level on points with sides above them.

Against that backdrop of domestic inconsistency, the Champions League has provided sharper clarity. A 5-0 demolition of Bodø/Glimt on matchday one showed what this squad is capable of when the game opens up. Michael Olise was the standout, scoring twice and adding an assist to earn the man of the match award. His post-match interview, in which he gave almost nothing to a frustrated DAZN reporter, went viral and prompted Kompany and sporting director Max Eberl to defend him publicly, with Eberl pointing out that Olise had been named man of the match three times in five games this season.

The other major thread running through the club is Harry Kane's contract situation. His current deal expires next summer, and talks over an extension until at least 2029 are ongoing. Kane struck the winner at Elversberg and said he is happy in Munich, though he does not expect a resolution for another month or two. Bayern host Union Berlin on Friday evening, a chance to build momentum and climb the table.