German legend Lothar Matthäus was interviewed by Bild ahead of the new Bundesliga season to discuss topics including Bayern, the German national team, and the upcoming Champions League campaign.

Bild: Under what circumstances would Bayern not become German champions?

"Nothing will happen; Bayern winning the title is as certain as 'amen' in church. They are also clear favorites to win the German Cup."

Why?

"Bayern are more stable now than ever before. All the players have great confidence in head coach Vincent Kompany. The team has retained its core squad and will only get stronger. Sarr and Alphonso Davies are both very successful signings. The team plays well on the pitch, and the club management has no complaints. The environment is calm, and everyone feels happy and is enjoying it."

"Bayern's 'Mia san Mia' spirit has never been stronger."

Can superstar striker Kane still develop further?

"It's difficult because he has already set very high standards for himself. But Kane is a special player, not just on the pitch but also in his public image. He feels comfortable here and is loved by everyone. I think even opposing fans like him. Because he doesn't act like a superstar – everyone can see his commitment to the team's success on the pitch."

"Over the past two years, Bayern has done everything right. They have gained incredible recognition and respect everywhere with this team. And Kane stands out even more in it."

What is the impact of Musiala's injury?

"The way the club and his teammates handled it – the fact that it wasn't announced publicly for several months – shows me how strong the team's cohesion is. I heard Kompany praise Musiala's training performances, saying it's the strongest Musiala he's seen since taking over. That makes me feel positive. Of course, they won't rush him back. There's no doubt Jamal will get all the support he needs at Bayern."

In your Sport Bild prediction, you forecast Borussia Dortmund will finish as runners-up. Why not Stuttgart?

(Laughs) "Because Stuttgart will finish third."

In other words, one position higher than last season.

"The difference between positions 2 and 5 is very small, and so is the gap between 6 and 10, and between 11 and 18. Over the past three years, Sebastian Hoeneß's job hasn't been easy because players have constantly been sold. But this team is really starting to form a cohesive unit, the squad is well-built, and they've gained international experience and matured. They should also have a chance to make it through to the Champions League playoff round."

After a poor World Cup, what do you expect from current German international players and prospective German internationals?

"Now the national team will get more attention. Wearing the national jersey under new German coach Jürgen Klopp should be a challenge and motivation for everyone. He's registered 57 outfield players, some of whom don't even have their driver's licenses yet (joking about the many young players on the list who are under 18)."

"Klopp has many options, and he'll also bring his own coaching staff. Moreover, he has strong supporters like Watzke. Klopp's influence within the DFB is even greater than Franz Beckenbauer had when he first took office."

Where does German football currently stand in international football?

"The World Cup result won't mislead me. German football is not at rock bottom; we have outstanding club teams and standout individual players. I don't want to keep criticizing Nagelsmann now, but the former German coach failed to forge this team into a cohesive unit."

"Kompany, Hoeneß, Niko Kovac at Borussia Dortmund, Manuel Baum at Augsburg, and Urs Fischer at Mainz 05 have all achieved this. Simply put, for a coach today, building relationships within the team and making it function well is almost more important than teaching players how to pass."

The Bundesliga women's season has started with three southern teams – Bayern, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg. You frequently attend Bayern women's matches. What draws you to women's football?

"They play very well! The tempo of play is good, the physical challenges are healthy, and the discipline is also outstanding. Women's football needs time to develop, but it's now firmly on the right track and certainly hasn't reached its ceiling yet. Attendance numbers are increasing, and more women's teams are being established at clubs..."

The 2027 Women's World Cup will be held in Brazil.

"I think our women's team will definitely perform better than the men's team did this summer. Not only in terms of tournament progress, but also in on-pitch performance. The men's team's performance this summer was completely unsatisfactory."

Final question: Under what circumstances would PSG fail to win the Champions League again?

"Bayern would need to be at their best in the key matches, and they would also need some luck. Of course, PSG has the ability to win the Champions League! But the field of favorites has widened. I mean, the last two Champions League finalists PSG and Real Madrid, as well as Barcelona under Flick, Arsenal, and Bayern are currently all at the same level. And Bayern's goal is crystal clear: win the Big Ears Cup. Period. Not a comma."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com