Bayern Munich has reduced the coaching zone for visiting managers at the Allianz Arena. The change took effect at the start of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season and was visible during the 5-1 home win against VfB Stuttgart on the opening matchday.
The two technical areas are no longer the same size. A diagonally cut section near the halfway line on the visitors' side has been removed. This is reportedly where away coaches typically stand. According to a report by Bild Sport, the measure is not an error by the groundskeepers or Bayern's modern line-marking robot. It implements a Bundesliga media guideline demanding more space for the main TV camera positioned at the halfway line.
Why was the zone made smaller?
The main broadcast camera is positioned directly next to the visitors' coaching zone. In the past, away managers were repeatedly in the TV shot. The camera films the left half of the pitch in front of the North Stand. Its position has been on the away side for years because a large, retractable flap for the player tunnel is located to its right. Theoretically, the camera could be moved to the Bayern side. The new diagonal line is intended to guarantee an unobstructed view for the camera.
During the match against Stuttgart, Sebastian Hoeneß, the 44-year-old visiting manager, stayed consistently within the new boundaries after initially stepping outside in the first few minutes. His counterpart Vincent Kompany, 40, operated from the unchanged home area. Kompany said after the game: "Ich habe damit nichts zu tun ..." Hoeneß took the new situation in stride. "Ich fand es nicht unfair! Mir ist es nicht aufgefallen. Ist das anders als letztes Jahr?", he commented.
What is the impact of the change?
The diagonal line caused surprise among some fans. It remains to be seen whether other Bundesliga managers will be as relaxed about the smaller operating space as Hoeneß was. The sold-out Allianz Arena on opening day thus witnessed this visual change on the touchline alongside Bayern's high-scoring victory.
The adjustment highlights how TV broadcast requirements shape the matchday environment. For Bayern Munich, the season has started perfectly with a big win and three points. Vincent Kompany's team can now focus on the upcoming challenges listed on our fixtures page. The current standings naturally show Bayern in a top position after this start.
What does this mean for future matches?
Every visiting manager at the Allianz Arena must now adapt to the reduced area. The Bundesliga has set clear priorities for TV production with its guideline. For Bayern Munich, implementing it is a mere formality that does not disrupt operations. Performance on the pitch will determine how the current squad fares this season. The focus is now fully on the sporting competition, where even the smallest change on the sidelines is observed.
