By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The managing directors of the German Football League (DFL) must be delighted by the thriller between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich which was televised in 204 countries and regions.
The stunning 3-2 win of the Black and Yellow against the reigning champions, is certain to help improve the image of Germany's football after its early exit at the 2018 World Cup.
But what else is to be learnt from the incredible game?
It is nothing new to forecast that Dortmund's high-speed football is ringing in the changes in the nation's game. Bayern Munich has failed to rejuvenate its overaged squad after an era that has six consecutive league championship wins.
When talking about the developments in Dortmund, one also has to mention another team going by the name of Borussia. Close neighbors Moenchengladbach are currently second in the table and stand equally for a modern style of football.
Bayern can't address the necessities of modern football when it comes to speed and tactical versatility. Experienced and renowned performers like Mats Hummels, Thomas Mueller, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are past their prime.
Coach Niko Kovac is facing a Herculean task as he is trying to lead one of Europe's top dogs into a new era. But how do you treat stars approaching retirement? How do you manage to win titles and at the same introduce new blood and phase out aging stars?
Bayern club leaders seem to have changed their minds about their aims for the season. Winning the German championship is no longer a must as president Uli Hoeness said "it far from a catastrophe if we don't win the title. Bayern Munich won't fall apart."
Club chairmen Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted, "we have to accept that Dortmund is playing some magnificent football."
Bayern's problems haven't come as a surprise, said former German international and TV pundit Stefan Effenberg. "It is nothing unusual that a team lacks the greediness of previous years after having won six successive national titles and the 2013 Champions League."
Established players need the coach's trust as they are still vital but need to step aside to allow space for their successors, a very challenging challenge for a coach, Effenberg said.
It seems that Bayern will ring in fundamental changes themselves for the 2019/2020 season. Hoeness announced to change the team's face significantly right after the final whistle in the Dortmund arena.
Bayern needs to accept that they are not the best German team.
The German Clasico shows that Dortmund is the current best, and a great squad is developing. Germany's Marco Reus, 29, has grown into an inspirational leader who is able to lead his team to major titles.
Another conclusion is that Bayern's opponents are not awestruck by the Bavarians any more. The once dominant giant is wavering.
No matter if fans favor Borussia Dortmund or Bayern as 2018/2019 German champions, the Bundesliga title race hasn't been as entertaining as in many a year.
