By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Fans, media, and pundits often talk about the goal-scoring heroes of football such as Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Mueller, or Joshua Kimmich.

But when investigating the reasons for the current upswing around the reigning German champion Bayern Munich and its revived performers, one inevitably ends up with the man waving the baton: Hansi Flick.

The 55-year-old and his Bavarian side might not yet have won a title this season, but their achievements at all levels deserve the highest appreciation.

Vital tasks remain to secure the national title with a 7-point lead behind as well as the German Cup and, most importantly, the Champions League.

For long, Flick was afflicted with the image of the everlasting assistant. The former national team sports director seemed to cultivate his status as Mr. Nice Guy, gifted with passion but not made for tough jobs at the front line.

Things have changed significantly since November. Appointed Bayern's head coach, the former midfielder stepped into the limelight, doing the delicate job of leading a top side his way. A mixture of strict discipline and emphatic characteristics seems the key.

Many see him following in the footsteps of 2013 treble winner Jupp Heynckes. Flick might not fully meet the role of a father-figure like the 75-year-old coaching icon did, but he managed to get everyone's feet behind the line.

Statistics speak of the best game record of all Bayern coaches. 21 victories in 24 games stand in the books.

With several trophies in reach, the Munich coach is smart enough not to come along with hasty jubilations.

Considering the team's shape, who would dispute Bayern's current status as Europe's most promising side?

To kick the can down the road is the challenge Flick is facing. Further steps need to be done to lift him to the highest coaching level.

"He has changed the entire club's mood," two-time Champions League winner Ottmar Hitzfeld commented. The former Bayern and Dortmund coach added: He is convinced, Flick can shape an era at Bayern. "But therefore, you need to win titles," Hitzfeld said.

It remains impressive how the praised coaching rookie managed to revitalize Bayern's cornerstones, such as Mueller, Jerome Boateng, Lewandowski, David Alaba, and Kimmich.

A struggling side turned into a determined and greedy squad.

Youngster Alphonso Davies has turned into a surprise as a left-back as much as Alaba has as the new defence's leader.

Fans witness the best performance of Thiago Alcantara, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry after Flick changed the team's tactical approach taking more risk based on courageous pressing-football in combination with robust game control.

Flick is well-advised, to spreading the fact, the Bavarians still need to travel down a stony road. While the national titles seem booked, the restart of the Champions League is anybody's guess.

Having to keep up spirits to possibly until August for further Champions League action seems a challenge with an uncertain ending.

If Flick manages to surmount these hurdles, the former assistant might be mentioned next to football's currently most praised coach and Liverpool hero Juergen Klopp. Enditem

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