5 reasons why Carlo Ancelotti and Bayern Munich are in trouble

#3 Alonso no more

The midfield quality of Xabi Alonso cannot be replaced

An incredible player for club and country, Spanish midfield playmaker Xabi Alonso will be considered one of the greatest ever in his position, and his retirement is another departure that Bayern Munich cannot immediately recover from. An incredible talent and calming influence in the centre of midfield, Alonso not only dictated the pace of the game but could also open up defences with each perfectly placed long-range pass.

But while his departure was obviously a huge blow, it also coincided with the exit of Philip Lahm, and to lose two players of such quality is clearly significant. But Alonso and Lahm offer more than just on the field talent, as both players show the intense level of commitment and dedication needed to consistently succeed at the very highest level.

They were an inspiration to the rest of the squad, and not only have they not been replaced, but they are irreplaceable.