Bayern Munich launch their Bundesliga title defence tonight but league rivals and fans across the country are already talking about a foregone conclusion. Preview: Karolos Grohmann
The all-conquering Bavarians, who won a domestic double as well as the Champions League against German rivals Borussia Dortmund last season, are the overwhelming favourites to retain the league title.
Having spent more than €60 million to boost an already superb squad with the addition of offensive midfielder Mario Goetze from Dortmund and sought-after Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona, Bayern have set their sights on five trophies.
Coach Pep Guardiola, who took over from Jupp Heynckes, is an equally impressive transfer with the former Barcelona coach, who won 14 out of 19 possible titles in his four seasons there, returning to action after a one-year sabbatical.
“We want to achieve something that has not been done in Europe before,” Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer said.
“We want to go after the treble again and on top of that we want the European Super Cup and the club World Cup.”
Dortmund, who won consecutive league titles in 2011 and 2012 and dazzled with their European run last season, are aware of their rivals’ abilities despite their 4-2 German Super Cup win over Bayern two weeks ago.
“Bayern Munich have an exceptional squad,” said Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp.
“It may be the world’s most exceptional squad. We will try to get everything we can out of our season but as it stands now that would mean second place.”
The Bavarians did fail in their bid to sign Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who looks set to play out his last contract year at Dortmund.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge ruled out any further transfers.
Dortmund have brought in Ar-menian midfielder Henrikh Mikhitaryan, forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and already look as the only other strong contenders for the title. They take on Augsburg tomorrow.
“At the very top I see Bayern and Dortmund, almost level,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, who will be watching closely as he prepares for upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers and next year’s tournament in Brazil.
“Bayern have more depth in their squad and can replace three or even four players throughout the entire season. I do not see any other serious contenders with all the respect I have for Leverkusen and Schalke.”
Bayer Leverkusen, third last season, have replaced departed Andre Schuerrle with equally dangerous South Korea forward Son Heung-min from Hamburg and host Freiburg tomorrow.
Newcomers Hertha Berlin, back in top flight after one season, host Eintracht Frankfurt while fellow promoted Eintracht Braunschweig, back in top flight after 28 years, entertain Werder Bremen.
Fixtures
Today (20.30): Bayern Munich vs Bor. M’gladbach.
Tomorow (15.30): Bayer Leverkusen vs Freiburg; Augsburg vs Bor. Dortmund; Hanover vs Wolfsburg; H. Berlin vs E. Frankfurt; Hoffenheim vs Nuremberg; (18.30) E. Braunschweig vs Werder Bremen.
Sunday: (15.30) Mainz vs Stuttgart; (17.30) Schalke vs Hamburg.