By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- There is no end to the stories trying to let their readers in on the secrets of a football club and their unique genes. Some see the "Bayern gene" as a perfect marketing strategy, indicating success comes naturally with the Bavarian side.
After the club's stunning performance in 2020, the number of believers is likely to have increased. Rarely has a football team dominated in a way Bayern has in the past season and a half.
The club might have experienced dark times with major setbacks, but always returned to add new trophies to its tally.
The Champions League, German league championship, German Cup, and the German and European Supercups made the harvest over the past 12 months one of the best in its history.
Officials and players claim precisely that is what the "Bayern genes" are about. They include an insatiable hunger for success, determination, and an unbreakable will to battle on despite previous achievements.
It might tell the story to see an overwhelmed Robert Lewandowski speaking about the stunning year lying behind. In football's history, rarely has a team made its mark like the Bavarians in 2020.
"What we have achieved as a team this year is sensational," the 32-year-old Pole said after his side's last encounter this year, which saw him score his 17th goal in 13 league matches.
The 2-1 win over rival Bayer Leverkusen not only puts Bayern back at the top of the league but gave proof of the team's ambitions.
A few days ago, Lewandowski was awarded as the best male footballer by FIFA. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was awarded the best goalkeeper.
"We haven't had enough after all this," the striker stated, adding: "It's not about past success; it's about the future and the titles we want to win. We always want more."
In 1999, Bayern seemed to have hit rock bottom after losing the Champions League final to Manchester United in the dying seconds of added time.
In 2012, the club was pulverized by Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the German Cup final after the Black and Yellows first grabbed the league championship.
Bayern won the Champions League in 2001 and 2013 -- and eight consecutive national titles followed the low point of 2012.
Last season might have been exceptionally challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic providing an energy-sapping schedule for the Bavarians. Like all others, coach Hansi Flick's team might pay for the immense load they are under.
The record number of seven games in which Bayern went behind in the 2020/21 season is striking. Bayern didn't lose one of those games but gained 15 points in the process.
"We show that we can take things on the chin and then still invest a lot," striker Thomas Mueller said.
In the Leverkusen game, Kingsley Coman left the pitch after only 32 minutes due to an injury. Leroy Sane was still struggling after his long-term injury.
Bayern was glad to welcome Joshua Kimmich back after injury in the 68th minute. He later provided the assist for the winning goal in the game's dying seconds.
"What makes us successful is that it is a team effort. I'm extremely proud to have been awarded best footballer, but what we create as a team is of much more value to me," Lewandowski said.
Despite the demanding year, the forward announced there is more to come in 2021. No matter if the Bayern genes are an innovative strategy to make people listen. For decades now, the German club has proved they might actually exist. Enditem
