Before Champions League start
Rummenigge: “In exceptional cases, Uli Hoeneß did not agree”
16.09.2025 – 1:52 p.m.Reading time: 3 min.
What role does FC Bayern play in Europe this season? This is discussed against Chelsea before the gang start. The opinions of two ex-bosses differ.
When FC Bayern meets club world champion FC Chelsea on Wednesday (9 p.m. in the LiveTicker at T-Online) in the Allianz Arena, opinions about the role of the German record champions in the premier class-even within the club management. While Honorary President Uli Hoeneß sees the Munich team more in the outsider role before the season, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge clearly contradicts.
“No. I don’t agree with Uli Hoeneß if he says we are the Hoffenheim of the Champions League,” said the 69-year-old of the German Press Agency. Bavaria is never outsiders. “We may not always be top favorite, but that’s not bad.”
Hoeneß, on the other hand, had recently emphasized that the club went “like Hoffenheim to the Champions League season”. That could be a chance, said the 73-year-old.
Lothar Matthäus also contradicted Hoeneß in his Sky column: “I can’t quite follow Uli. Hoffenheim’s chances of the championship in the Bundesliga are far less than that of FC Bayern in the premier class,” he wrote there. “For me, Bavaria is one of the six best teams in Europe and the group of teams that can win the title,” continued Matthew. He only sees two or three teams in the width of the squad better positioned than Bayern. “Bavaria’s squad is very well positioned. The quality of the players and the cohesion within the team are great.”
Since the last title win in 2020, the Munich team only came to the semi -finals once. It was already four times in the quarter -finals. Rummenigge referred to the unfortunate end against Inter Milan in the previous season. “Nevertheless, we could have moved into the semi -finals against Barcelona – and possibly even to the final like Inter.” It is crucial to approach the competition with respect. “You shouldn’t appear arrogant, otherwise you will quickly get a few wadders.”
After the successful start to the Bundesliga, Chelsea is waiting for a heavy touchstone. “We can immediately show that we are able to beat the club world champion. It’s nice,” said Rummenigge.
Sports board member Max Eberl also expects a real location: “We have seen Chelsea all in the club World Cup final against Paris, which they deservedly won. And I think they have not gotten worse.”