For Lothar Matthäus (61), the Bundesliga season as a Sky expert begins on Matchday 1 with the top hit Borussia Dortmund against Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.). Two clubs that he sees as strong challengers to the series champions FC Bayern. But does he also trust them to replace the defending champion after ten years?
The BILD interview.
BILD: Who will be German Champion 2022/23?
Lothar Matthäus (61): “Even if it may disappoint some people now: FC Bayern is champion for the eleventh time in a row. Even without Robert Lewandowski.”
BILD: Why?
Matthew: “The conditions are better than in previous years, when the squad gradually weakened due to departures like Alaba, Thiago or Boateng. Bayern have made top-notch transfers this summer, and not just with Mané and de Ligt. They will be even harder to calculate for any opponent. Maybe Bayern will score fewer goals, but the defense should be more stable with the new defense boss de Ligt.”
BILD: And internationally?
Matthew: “It is clear that with the squad strengthened in this way, the pressure increases to do much better, especially in the Champions League, than last time with the quarter-final embarrassment against Villarreal. But the way I see Julian Nagelsmann, not only can he handle it, he will even look forward to it. Because big challenges appeal to him.”
BILD: What about Dortmund, Leverkusen and cup winners Leipzig?
Matthew: “They will definitely put pressure on Bayern and are the top contenders for a place in the Champions League. But the claim of Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg or maybe Gladbach must also be Europe. The pursuers should just be there if Bayern weakens. They haven’t been in recent years. And Bayern have also compensated for what I have often criticized: Namely, that the squad lacks quality across the board. Now he has her.”
BILD: This season is unique because the World Cup will be played after the first half of the season. From September there will only be English weeks. Can that have a decisive influence on the award of the title?
Matthew: “I don’t think so. The stress can be well controlled, especially with a squad like Bayern’s, also in cooperation with the medical department. And before the hot phase starts in the new year after the World Cup, there is a five-week break. I also see the rhythm of the game like Thomas Müller.”
BILD: How?
Matthew: “As a player, I’d be looking forward to it too, I used to do that too. Playing twice is better than training twice. The Bavarians are also more used to this rhythm than others.”
BILD: Many Bayern stars will play for Germany at the World Cup. And return from Qatar as world champions with her boyfriend, national coach Hansi Flick?
Matthew: “I am convinced that we can become world champions. I see the team with Hansi on the right track, although there is still a lot to do. Players like Rüdiger or Schlotterbeck have developed well. At the moment there is no super team in Europe, everyone has their problems. Brazil and Argentina are in good spirits, yes. But our team definitely has the quality to play for the title.”
