Lothar Matthäus (302 league games for Bayern) and Torsten Mattuschka (272 league games for Union) on the top game (Sunday, 5.30 p.m., here in the live ticker) between the rivals who are just as unequal on points.
BILD am SONNTAG: Let’s start with a provocative thesis. It will be the same today as it always is when Bayern is under pressure: The challenger with the same number of points has no chance in Munich.
Lothar Matthaeus (61): I agree. The Bayern players will be wide awake and totally focused on defeating their direct title rival at the moment. Union doesn’t see itself that way at all.
Torsten Mattuschka (42): Sure: Bayern have a few issues left and right, but if they get their horsepower on the field, Union loses the game, we don’t have to talk about that. But Union is solid and has yet to lose a game in 2023. What we are seeing is no longer a snapshot.
Torsten Mattuschka in September February 2013 in the Union jersey
Is it a real top game?
Matthew: Of course, if only because they have the same number of points.
Mattuschka: Second against third – more top game is hardly possible. Union has the advantage that they have little pressure. They enjoy it and say, “Come on guys!”
Mr. Mattuschka, you retired in 2014, and then Union remained second-class for another five years. What made this club fly so much?
Mattuschka: Continuity in key positions and creativity in player signings. The guys come here and you get the feeling that very few of them don’t work. The club management had and has an incredible nose for players who enjoy playing for Union.
Matthew: That’s correct. For me, Union’s flight has a lot to do with manager Oliver Ruhnert and trainer Urs Fischer. The two understand each other and seem to harmonize perfectly. It’s amazing what they’ve built. At Union, a lot of right decisions are simply made. This is how a totally stable team was planned and formed. It is no coincidence that Union is still doing very well in three competitions. The 3:1 against Ajax was further proof of this quality.
Is Union in the championship fight a snapshot or a model for the future?
Mattuschka: You can’t expect Union to play for the championship all the time, that’s not the point. It’s about always pulling out the maximum. And if it ends up being the Champions League this season, that would also be a giant step for the club. But it’s also clear that there will be a season when things don’t go that well. At Union, things will continue and remain calm.
Matthew: (smiles) When you go up into the mountains, the air gets thinner. It’s the same in the Bundesliga. I would like Union to establish themselves up there. In fact, I trust them to be relatively certain to be in the top six for years to come. Unless the construct breaks apart at some point – which I would think would be a shame. If, for example, the coach is looking for a new challenge or manager Ruhnert, who is already associated with the DFB, leaves.
Wouldn’t the direct leap into the Champions League be too big for Union, measured by the quality of the team, the environment and the infrastructure?
Matthew: No, because there has been continuous development and hopefully will continue. With a strong foundation. Most recently they ended up eleventh, seventh and fifth, right?
Mattuschka: Is correct.
Matthew: Third place would be almost logical now.
Mattuschka: I see it that way too. If the team can do it, they deserve it. No, it’s not too big. bring it on!
Will Bayern then buy the best players away from Union in the tried and tested manner in the summer?
Matthew: With all due respect, I don’t see anyone at Union who would be a Bayern player. Union thrives on the unity of the team, on discipline, and every single player benefits from that. Where was a Becker before? A trimmel, a khedira, a bone? All good Bundesliga players, just not for the demands of Bayern. Also: Players can be replaced, Ruhnert and Fischer not.
Mattuschka: I am completely with you there, Lothar. Because Union has completely different types of players and Bayern play completely different football. Which doesn’t mean that certain players might not work at Bayern someday. But currently I don’t see them.
Mr. Matthäus, you have already associated Fischer with Bavaria in SPORT BILD.
Matthew: I said I wouldn’t put it past him, yes. It demands a lot, especially discipline. He knows how to take players. And he has this calm, this sovereignty like a Hitzfeld, a Heynckes, like a flick. When Fischer clenches his fists, it’s an outburst of anger.
Matschuka: That’s right, Fischer could definitely train Bayern with his charisma, his authority. He has played over 500 league games as a player and has already made a name for himself as a coach. Everyone has respect for Union in Germany. Urs has a huge part in it.
The scene of the game day! HERE the ball boy becomes famous in the Bundesliga
The other way around: Could Nagelsmann be a Union coach?
Mattuschka: (laughs) If Urs can do Bayern, then Julian Nagelsmann can of course also do Union. The question is whether it fits. Alone as far as his past at the can club is concerned.
Matthew: Honestly, I don’t think Julian would see that as a challenge or even a fulfillment after Leipzig and Bavaria.
Will Nagelsmann have a serious problem if he loses to Union today?
Matthew: Every game that FC Bayern doesn’t win is a problem for every Bayern coach. However, I don’t think they would open a keg before the Paris game. You have to praise Nagelsmann: seven Champions League games, seven wins. Clean slate – and not against any clubs. That’s strong! Of course he’s under a lot of pressure and he has to deliver now. Bayern must become champions with this top squad. Can’t, must! And there should still be one or two rounds in the Champions League, maybe even the final.
Will Union champion if Bayern is beaten today?
Mattuschka: Phew! Then there are still twelve games left. Even if they lose, the gap to Bayern is only three points. But: Borussia Dortmund is still there. And RB could also come from behind.
Finally, please give your tip for Sunday evening.
Matthew: 3-0 for Bayern. Because they know and love such constellations and have the quality.
Mattuschka: 1:1 – that would be crazy!
