In view of the current situation in the Bundesliga title fight, goalkeeping legend Sepp Maier is expecting Bayer Leverkusen to win their first championship title. But he also believes that FC Bayern can still catch up. “Eight points are nothing. There are still twelve match days left and therefore 36 points to be awarded,” Maier told the German Press Agency a week before his 80th birthday (February 28).
He recalled the 2018/19 season. “It wasn’t that long ago that Borussia Dortmund had a nine-point lead. And Bayern ended up becoming German champions.” Five years ago, after 15 match days, the Munich team were nine points behind BVB and ended up in first place with a two-point lead. “So: Bayer Leverkusen doesn’t need to feel so safe,” said the former Bayern captain.
After the recent away defeats against Leverkusen (0:3), in the Champions League against Lazio Rome (0:1) and most recently in Bochum (2:3), there is little to suggest that the struggling Munich team and their criticized coach will be able to catch up successfully Thomas Tuchel. Nevertheless, Maier warns his heart club not to fall into activism.
“Bayern have had the current series several times. Now they should leave them alone and not constantly ask the coaching question and question the player and the player,” said Maier, who played a number of national games with Bayern in the 1970s and won international titles and became world and European champions with the national team.
An end to Munich’s championship series after eleven title wins would not mean any drama for Maier. “Well, then FC Bayern won’t win a title this season. They should take a break and let Leverkusen become champions. And then twelve years of Bayern again,” he said in an interview about his upcoming big birthday.
The league leaders, who are still unbeaten this season, impressed Maier with their demeanor and consistency: “Leverkusen are playing well and deserve to be eight points ahead.” The original Bavarian even believes Bayer Leverkusen can do the double. The semi-final participant is also the clear favorite to win the DFB Cup.
Bundesliga schedule Bundesliga table The German champions during the Bundesliga era
