In contrast to honorary president Uli Hoeneß, former national goalkeeper René Adler does not see FC Bayern as an outsider in the Champions League – and also does not believe that the opponents do so.
“I find the approach of Uli Hoeneß to compare the FCB in Champions League relations with Hoffenheim in order to stir up an underdog mentality,” wrote Adler in a post for the “kicker”. “I’m just afraid that the opponents will not play along: Regardless of the current performance, Bayern still belong to Europe’s TOP. That is why it is guaranteed to be underestimated.”
Hoeneß had drawn the surprising parallel to the Bundesliga competitor from the Kraichgau in view of the transfer fee, which was exploding in England. “I can only say that I look forward to the coming season because we go to the Champions League season like Hoffenheim. And that is exactly our chance,” said FC Bayern club spatron.
For Adler, Munich’s opening game on Wednesday (9:00 p.m.) against club world champion FC Chelsea is “a real indicator”. The 40-year-old emphasized: “Even in the Allianz Arena, I don’t see Bayern as a clear favorite.”
Video: FC Bayern vs. Chelsea: Predication of the top game
Champions League favorites? FC Bayern in the “expanded circle”
In terms of Henkelpott, he basically has “a handful of teams” on the slip of paper, says Adler. “PSG as the previous year’s winner, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Plus Arsenal. The Gunners have had a positive development under Mikel Areteta. But five years after the cup victory, pressure on the boiler is to get an important trophy.”
FC Bayern “counts the expanded circle, so to speak,” said Adler. “You can go far if the best line-up is available in the knockout-o.