Bayern Munich already had two hiccups in the Champions League this season with losses to Aston Villa and Barcelona, but they have turned their fortunes around and are currently just outside of an automatic qualification spot in the competition’s table with the new format. After wins over Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern has climbed to the 10th spot in the table, just one point behind the 8th spot with two matches left against the likes of Feyenoord and Slovan Bratislava; a pair of matches that Bayern should be winning.
While it has been far from perfect for Vincent Kompany in his maiden season in charge of Bayern, navigating through the new Champions League format, getting at least four points from their final two matches realistically puts them through to the knockout stages. Even with the new format, the opposition will certainly get better once the knockout stages comes around, but that’s always the case, even with the old format.
For what it’s worth, former Bayern and Germany right back Philipp Lahm was recently asked about the Rekordmeister’s chances of making it to the Champions League final on home turf at the Allianz Arena this season. With the new format, judging off of how many of Europe’s top clubs still are not even in a direct qualification spot, Lahm certainly feels that Bayern has a chance with where they’re at right now.
“I think so. I think the new Champions League format is really exciting, by the way, I was looking forward to it. There are great games, it’s tight right up to the end. Many of the supposedly big teams are weak and have to fight: Man City, Paris… For them it’s about even getting into the top 24. Bayern always have a chance of making it to the final. At the moment, though, I see other teams further ahead,” Lahm rationalized when he was asked about Bayern’s chances of reaching the final on home soil (via @iMiaSanMia).
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With the way they have been performing under new manager Arne Slot, Lahm feels that Liverpool have shone the best for themselves out of all of the teams in the competition this season. They are first in the table having won all of their matches thus far, including one the title holders Real Madrid by virtue of a 2-0 win at Anfield. “Liverpool are making a consistently good impression. Otherwise, many are weak. Arsenal are good, but are they ready for the big ties? That’s always a question. I always think Bayern are capable of that, especially with the possible final at home,” Lahm explained.
A lot can still happen in the competition and a number of clubs will likely make additions during the winter transfer window, though Bayern’s front office have said they likely won’t be one of those clubs. Sporting director Christoph Freund and board member for sport Max Eberl have emphasized the fact that they will be focusing on contract negotiations for some of the club’s key players rather than look to make signings.
