Sixth sense
> Bayern expected to win Bundesliga again this season to make it six in a row
BAYERN MUNICH kick off the new Bundesliga season tomorrow with the coaches of 13 of their 17 rivals expecting them to dominate again – although Usain Bolt’s recent shock defeat is being used as inspiration. Bayern host Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena in the season opener, with the Bavarians the overwhelming favourites to win the title. In a survey by AFP subsidiary SID of the 18 coaches in Germany’s top flight, the overwhelming consensus is that Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern will claim a sixth straight league crown. “I’m tipping Bayern, but nothing is set in stone,” said Cologne’s coach Peter Stoeger. “If Usain Bolt can lose a 100 metres race, perhaps someone else can be champions in Germany.” In the last decade, Bayern have won the Bundesliga title seven times – five of which have been on the spin since 2012.
They finished 15 points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig last term.
“Our required standard is to win the Bundesliga title,” said Bayern president Uli Hoeness bluntly.
According to the SID survey, only Borussia Dortmund’s new boss Peter Bosz, Hoffenheim’s Julian Nagelsmann and Stuttgart’s Hannes Wolf opted not to say which name they think will be engraved on the trophy for 2017/18.
Leverkusen’s Heiko Herrlich was the only coach who tipped Dortmund, the last team to break Bayern’s stranglehold in 2011/12, to be champions. But his was a lone voice.
Bayern have strengthened their squad by signing midfielders Corentin Tolisso from Lyon and James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.
However, Bayern will be without the steadying influence of ex-captain Philipp Lahm and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, who both retired in May.
Bayern boss Ancelotti sees Dortmund, who are battling to keep hold of wantaway teenage winger Ousmane Dembele, as their main rivals.
“Of course, we want to be champions again and I think we can do it,” said the Italian.
“From everyone else, Borussia Dortmund will be our challengers.”
Ancelotti expects Leipzig to struggle to come to terms with their first season in the Champions League group stages.
Ex-Germany international and Bayern captain Stefan Effenberg expects a two-horse race in Germany with Dortmund challenging for the title.
Also, Effenberg thinks Leverkusen are fortunate to play Bayern first.
“This is an advantage for Leverkusen, because when Bayern Munich get on a roll, then you don’t walk off the pitch there as winners,” he said.
“In the first game, it’s a bit different. If you’re lucky, then anything is possible.” – AFP