After the game at the Allianz Arena ended, Bayern's top management was the first to sound the alarm.
In a post-match interview with the media, club chairman Rummenigge criticized the team for being too immature.
"This defeat is like a steel needle piercing my heart! Our performance in the first half was childish, like an immature child. This is not the kind of performance Bayern should have."
Rummenigge also said helplessly, "Now, we must focus on doing well in the league. The title race is still uncertain."
The implication was actually an admission that advancing to the Champions League semifinals was no longer realistic—unless Bayern could produce a miracle in Manchester.
Another Bayern figurehead, Hoeness, also expressed his regret after the game: "We made too many mistakes that shouldn't have happened. Some mistakes are easier said than avoided, but we made them. I don't know why."
Hoeness believed that the team's preparations had been solid, but they kept making mistakes throughout the match. It was fatal and gave their opponents more chances.
"I don't know what will happen next, or whether the situation can be salvaged. But we have to admit this has been a disappointing season, and now we need to ensure we qualify for next season's Champions League."
Currently, Bayern is in fourth place in the Bundesliga, one spot away from missing out on Champions League qualification.
And it's not just the club's executives voicing their frustrations.
Schweinsteiger also stepped forward and openly criticized the team in a media interview: "Our tactics were poor, and we failed to capitalize on some counterattacking chances. But more importantly, our backline was disorganized."
Schweinsteiger believed the team performed well in the second half, but the first half was disastrous.
"It was an unbelievable first half. I still can't believe we conceded four goals in just thirty minutes. This is absolutely not how a Champions League quarter-finalist should play."
However, Schweinsteiger also revealed that he thought Van Gaal's preparations had actually been quite good.
"The head coach analyzed the opponent's tactics for us, but we failed to carry them out. The responsibility lies with us."
"What I want to say is that every player has a responsibility to defend. You can't just focus on attacking. Everyone has to contribute on defense, because we are one team."
In the end, just like Rummenigge and Hoeness, Schweinsteiger expressed confidence that Bayern would secure Champions League qualification for next season, stating that this would be the team's next major goal.
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Aside from the club executives and Schweini, other Bayern players also stepped forward to share their views.
Summing up most of the analysis and opinions, it's not hard to conclude that Van Gaal's tactics were overly aggressive.
Kicker magazine wrote in its post-match commentary: "Suárez's brace and Robben's brilliance pushed Bayern into the abyss of despair."
"It's not that we can't accept defeat or refuse to acknowledge the gap. But it's hard to accept losing like this—in this manner and under these circumstances."
Kicker believes that Manchester City is undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in European football right now, but Bayern's 1-4 home defeat is painful and regrettable no matter how one looks at it.
Bild also reacted immediately after the match, expressing shock at Bayern's defeat.
"It's all over!"
"For Bayern, after the league and the German Cup, their third front has also collapsed."
"Gao Shen and his Manchester City team demonstrated superior strength and composure in this crucial match, while Bayern played like volatile teenagers. This is not the performance of a mature team."
Bild believes that Manchester City showed real strength and dominance.
"They played a fantastic match at the Allianz Arena and proved to everyone that they are the strongest contenders for this season's Champions League title."
Many German media outlets were in mourning.
The main reason lies in the deep-rooted football rivalry between England and Germany.
Originally, they had hoped Bayern Munich would show the German team's trademark resilience when facing Manchester City. But in the end, Van Gaal's side conceded four goals within the first 30 minutes of the match—a crushing defeat by any measure.
Some German media even suggested that Van Gaal should resign.
"He is becoming the most unwelcome man at the Allianz Arena!"
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While the German media was filled with sorrow, the British media was full of praise.
The British press lauded Manchester City for their 4-1 away victory over Bayern Munich.
The Times used the headline "A Profound Miracle!" on its front page.
In its report, The Times analyzed how in this crucial game, Gao Shen and his Manchester City side won over the most discerning fans with a magnificent attacking performance, allowing the world to witness their strength and quality.
"This game will not only go down as a classic in this year's Champions League, but that half-hour of dominance may even become one of the most iconic periods in Champions League history. Manchester City delivered a stunning offensive display at the Allianz Arena."
Sky Sports echoed The Times, calling Manchester City's 4-1 away win over Bayern Munich a monumental achievement.
"Many people have always said that Gao Shen is good at managing knockout matches, though plenty have doubted that claim."
"But at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich's home ground, Manchester City proved their strength to the world with a stunning 4-1 victory. Gao Shen also justified his status as a world-class coach by defeating Van Gaal."
"He is the best coach in the world!"
Sky Sports believes that Manchester City is now the most beautiful storyline in this season's Champions League. They could also be the ultimate dark horse to lift the trophy. After knocking out Bayern Munich and reaching the semi-finals, who can stop them?
The Guardian used the headline "Great Gao Shen! Great Match!" on its front page, claiming that Manchester City's triumph in Germany held extraordinary significance for English football.
It wasn't just about reaching the Champions League semi-finals with a convincing performance, but also about winning a symbolic battle in the football rivalry between England and Germany.
The Guardian stated that Gao Shen outwitted Van Gaal in tactical deployment, dealing a heavy blow to the renowned Dutch coach.
"Before the match, many German media advised Bayern to adopt a more conservative strategy. But it's clear Van Gaal didn't listen, and Gao Shen's Manchester City hit them hard."
"This was a heartbreaking match for Bayern and German football. But for England, it was a glorious victory!"
However, The Guardian was more cautious, warning that even if Manchester City reached the semi-finals, they weren't guaranteed to make the final or win the title.
At the very least, Barcelona—led by Gao Shen's former protégé Guardiola—would be the toughest opponent they'd face on the road to the final.
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In fact, it wasn't just the British media praising Manchester City. Even French publication L'Équipe published an article saying: "With Gao Shen at the helm, Manchester City soars into the semi-finals!"
The French media stated that Manchester City completely suppressed Bayern during the match. Whether in terms of lineup or in-game command, Gao Shen was not inferior to the experienced Van Gaal—he was even better.
"Stubborn Van Gaal paid the ultimate price for his arrogance!"
L'Équipe believes Bayern's defense has been problematic for some time. The team has performed poorly all season, with defense being the biggest weakness. But when facing a ferocious Manchester City, Van Gaal still prioritized attack over defense. This made the game thrilling, but the result was disastrous.
"Van Gaal proved himself in terms of philosophy, but the result will cost him his job!"
In other words, Bayern's attacking strategy and possession were decent, but after this disastrous defeat, Van Gaal would likely take full responsibility and resign.
Gazzetta dello Sport also harshly criticized Van Gaal, accusing him of blindly clinging to pride and ego, when the more responsible choice would've been pragmatism.
"He wasn't acting as a team leader—he sacrificed the efforts of everyone at Bayern for his own vanity."
Gazzetta believes Manchester City's attacking power is evident to all. Gao Shen has invested two years into this squad, and now Manchester City is already one of the strongest teams in Europe.
"In fact, the only team that can rival them is probably Barcelona."
The Italian media believes Gao Shen has once again proven his coaching quality in the Premier League. He has built another competitive team and shown everyone what Manchester City's future could look like.
"Even if they don't win the Champions League this season, this young team is destined to become the most influential and competitive force in European football over the next few years."
Gazzetta dello Sport believes that Gao Shen's high-level coaching, combined with the financial might of the Middle Eastern consortium backing Manchester City, forms a terrifying new power in European football—one that will leave their competitors in despair.
The Italian media even called on UEFA to impose financial restrictions.
"Otherwise, it won't be long before the Premier League becomes Manchester City's playground, and the Champions League becomes Gao Shen's personal trophy."
Yet the Italian media also hold mixed feelings about Gao Shen.
So far this season, Napoli is the only Serie A club to reach the Champions League quarter-finals and is striving to gain European coefficient points for Italy.
But with the Bundesliga's strong resurgence, Serie A will likely lose a Champions League spot next season, which would be a devastating blow to the league.
Gazzetta dello Sport also acknowledged that Napoli's quarter-final run this season—Serie A's last shred of dignity—was made possible by the foundation left behind by Gao Shen.
But the performances of other Serie A teams have been poor, making it hard to reverse the league's decline.
Perhaps in the near future, Serie A will officially become the fourth-ranked league in European football.
(To be continued.)