Dante’s Bayern II Faces Historic Start with Two Losses
The Dante era at Bayern II has begun with a thud, not a drumroll.
A week after a shock 1-0 home defeat to newly promoted SC Eltersdorf in the Regionalliga Bayern opener, the reserves of the German giants were beaten again on Friday night – this time 2-0 away at Wacker Burghausen. Two games, two losses, no goals scored. And already a little history, of the unwanted kind.
Since the Regionalliga Bayern was introduced in 2012/13, Bayern’s second team had never opened a campaign with back-to-back defeats. Across a decade that included two seasons up in the 3. Liga, the club’s reserves had always found a way to start with at least a foothold. Dante’s side have slipped straight into a hole.
They sit bottom of the table with zero points. Early days, yes. But the numbers bite: across four pre-season friendlies and these two competitive fixtures, the Brazilian’s record as coach reads six games, six defeats, with a goal difference of 2-16.
Overrun in Burghausen
In Burghausen, who finished eighth last season, Bayern II never really settled in the first half. Wacker came out with intent and quickly seized control. They pressed high, forced mistakes, and carved out chances long before the breakthrough arrived.
The pressure told in the 22nd minute. Felix Bachschmid struck to give the hosts the lead they had been threatening. Bayern’s young back line looked rattled, their build-up play nervous, their shape stretched.
Burghausen smelled weakness and went after it. Bachschmid doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, and at 2-0 the scoreline already felt decisive. Bayern II trudged into the dressing room having been second best in almost every duel.
The second half brought an improvement. Dante tweaked things, tightened the structure, and his team looked more secure defensively. The average age of the starting XI was just 20, and with the game drifting away they at least showed some resilience.
Anchored by the experience of Benno Schmitz, 31, and Anton Heinz, 28 – both brought in to guide this raw group – Bayern II finally began to stitch some attacks together. They created a few half-chances, pushed higher, and reduced Burghausen to sporadic counters. But the contest never truly caught fire again. The damage had already been done.
“After the break we adjusted a few things and then it was significantly better. Unfortunately, we didn't reward ourselves with a goal,” Dante said afterwards. “Even so, we have to keep our heads up – it's important to me that we learn from this match.”
From Treble Hero to Troubled Rookie Coach
For Dante, this is not how the return to Säbener Straße was supposed to look.
The 42-year-old, a treble winner with Bayern in 2013 and a popular figure from his playing days between 2012 and 2015, came back to Munich straight after ending his career at OGC Nice. The plan: to take his first steps in coaching at the club where he enjoyed the peak of his career, and to shape the next generation with the same joy and energy he once radiated on the pitch.
He spoke before the season of wanting his team to play with joy, to attack with freedom, to work hard and show discipline so that young players could “be happy after the match.” Six games in, that vision has collided with a harsh reality.
The defeats in pre-season could be brushed aside as teething problems. The competitive start, though, has sharpened the focus. When you add the friendlies to the current league form, the pattern is hard to ignore.
Bayern’s Minimum Requirement
Inside the club, nobody will be pressing the panic button after two matchdays. But the context matters. Bayern’s reserve side is not just another team in the Regionalliga; it is a key pillar of the club’s talent pipeline.
Relegation to the Oberliga would be a major setback. The hierarchy’s long-term aim remains clear: they would prefer to see Bayern II back in the 3. Liga, offering young prospects regular football at the highest possible level beneath the first team. The Regionalliga is already a compromise. Dropping below that would be unacceptable.
So while the table in early August carries no final verdict, the performances – and that 2-16 goal difference – will be prompting a few furrowed brows. The project is about development, but development still needs a stable platform. Right now, that platform is shaking.
Schweinfurt Next – and a Chance to Breathe
Dante is not panicking, at least not outwardly. His messages remain calm, focused on learning and growth. But the need for a result is clear.
Next up is 1. FC Schweinfurt, relegated from the 3. Liga, on Saturday. Another club with expectations, another test against seasoned opposition who know how to navigate this level.
A first win would not erase the nightmare start. It would, however, change the mood in an instant, restore a little of that euphoria Dante brought back with him to Munich, and give his young side something they have not yet tasted under their new coach.
Relief.
