FC Bayern is looking forward to Leverkusen’s success: they see themselves as outsiders

Squad value 400 million higher

“Homework done,” rejoiced coach Thomas Tuchel after a dress rehearsal, which doesn’t have to cause any “Vizekusen” fears at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. In the new year, FC Bayern will continue to find it difficult to win, but the 3-1 (1-1) win against Borussia Mönchengladbach was enough to allow them to overtake the league leaders on their own strength next Saturday. Before the big game, the Munich team were aggressive, but didn’t want to have anything to do with being favorites.

“We like highlight games like this,” said captain Manuel Neuer. “Now it’s different than in the past that we are the hunters. Of course we want to change that, if possible with three points in Leverkusen. Everyone who wears the Bayern jersey is waiting for these games. That’s the case in the Champions League, that’s the case in most games against Dortmund. And a duel like this with Leverkusen, where they are having a very good season, is a big highlight for us that we are looking forward to.”

For the 37-year-old, it is irrelevant that the Munich star ensemble, which is suffering from repeated failures, is struggling to get up to speed. “No matter what the results were beforehand, a lot of things don’t count in games like this. The momentum decides.” And “the better form on the day,” added the Bayern leader.

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen reiterated Munich’s claim to become champions for the twelfth time in a row. “It’s an incredible excitement that two clubs are currently doing so well.” However, the Bayern boss also said: “I wouldn’t necessarily see us as favorites. We are now in the role of pursuer. In this respect, it is clear who is the favorite.” At 977.95 million euros, the series champion’s squad value is significantly higher than that of Leverkusen, which has currently increased to 566.55 million euros over the season.

FC Bayern: 500th win for Thomas Müller – “Not a fan of anniversaries”

Against Gladbach it was “an okay performance against a difficult opponent,” as Tuchel noted. And a game with several protagonists, especially Thomas Müller. He was involved in the first three goals, including the one for Borussia. During Nico Elvedi’s opening goal for Gladbach, the 34-year-old was unfortunate when he lost the ball. Müller prepared the 1-1 goal from youngster Aleksander Pavlovic, who is increasingly playing his way into the spotlight, with a buttery-soft pass. And before Harry Kane’s 2-1 header, Müller provoked the decisive mistake by Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas in the air fight. When Matthijs de Ligt made it 3-1 late, Müller was no longer on the pitch.

For the 2014 world champion, it was the 500th victory in a competitive game for Bayern. He was celebrated with loud cheers in the dressing room. “Quiet for a moment, please! Thomas has a new trophy again – 500 wins,” said Neuer, before presenting his long-time companion with a framed red and white jersey with the imprint “Müller 500 Wins” to applause and wild cheers, as seen in a social media video was.

However, Müller doesn’t want to hang up the memento at home. “I hope they still have room in the museum,” joked the Bayern veteran after the fantastic club record. “I’m not a fan of all the anniversaries, just because there might now be a round number of competitive game wins. But the feeling of victory is the beautiful thing.”

“Great person, great player. “Having 500 wins in your career for a club is very special,” said Kane admiringly. The striker himself scored his 24th goal of the season. Only the HSV legend Uwe Seeler, who was unknown to him and died in 2022, scored more goals in his first year in the Bundesliga, namely 30. “Okay, if I carry on as before, it is a possibility,” said the Englishman about improving Seeler’s Brand.

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