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Bayern Munich still dream of the Champions League final, but it will not be easy, says Uli Hoeness
Retired striker has reflected upon the calendar year, and feels his club as well as the German national team can achieve top honours in 2012, but will face stiff competition
8 Dec 2011 07:31:00
Bongarts
EXCLUSIVE
By Hubert Honold
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness believes his club have had an up and down 2011, but is confident that his side are capable of reaching the Champions League final at their own Allianz Arena in May.
In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, the 59-year-old opined that after the Bavarians nearly failed to finish in the top three in the Bundesliga last season, the summer brought a turnaround.
"There were ups and downs," he said of 2011. "The beginning of the year was catastrophic, but then at the last minute we finished with a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
"Then came the new coach, Jupp Heynckes. For 10 weeks, we played fantastically. Then there were some minor setbacks, and now we've recaptured our form. That's life."
With last weekend's 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen, Bayern re-claimed first place in the Bundesliga, a position he feels they will not cede before the winter break.
"I think so," Hoeness said when asked if Bayern can head into 2012 top of the league. "We now have it back in our own hands. I'm not fond of it, being dependent on others.
"With our win and a draw between Dortmund and Gladbach, we again became leaders. We still have two games and if we win both, we will be autumn champions.
"It is a nicer Christmas if you are placed first over the winter, than if you know you have to chase the top after."
Hoeness also turned his attention to the national team, predicting that Germany can win Euro 2012 following last Friday's group draw for the finals. He also considered Bayern's chances of appearing in the Champions League final, but was more cautious, citing a difficult path to the showpiece finale at the Allianz Arena.
"I said before that it does not matter who Germany get in the group. It turned out to be the hardest they could get," he said.
"But I personally believe that Germany are currently the best team in Europe and have a good chance of winning the European title.
"As for Bayern, we have reached the next round. Now the draw is coming up before Christmas, when we will be placed against group runners-up. But then come a team like Barcelona or Real Madrid. You can imagine how difficult this would be.
"The dream for all of us is to reach the Champions League final in Munich on May 19, but a lot will have to happen before then."
Bayern finished first in Group A with 13 points, ahead of runners-up Napoli, and Manchester City and Villarreal. The round of 16 draw is scheduled for December 16.
By Hubert Honold
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness believes his club have had an up and down 2011, but is confident that his side are capable of reaching the Champions League final at their own Allianz Arena in May.
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In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, the 59-year-old opined that after the Bavarians nearly failed to finish in the top three in the Bundesliga last season, the summer brought a turnaround.
"There were ups and downs," he said of 2011. "The beginning of the year was catastrophic, but then at the last minute we finished with a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
"Then came the new coach, Jupp Heynckes. For 10 weeks, we played fantastically. Then there were some minor setbacks, and now we've recaptured our form. That's life."
With last weekend's 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen, Bayern re-claimed first place in the Bundesliga, a position he feels they will not cede before the winter break.
"I think so," Hoeness said when asked if Bayern can head into 2012 top of the league. "We now have it back in our own hands. I'm not fond of it, being dependent on others.
"With our win and a draw between Dortmund and Gladbach, we again became leaders. We still have two games and if we win both, we will be autumn champions.
"It is a nicer Christmas if you are placed first over the winter, than if you know you have to chase the top after."
Hoeness also turned his attention to the national team, predicting that Germany can win Euro 2012 following last Friday's group draw for the finals. He also considered Bayern's chances of appearing in the Champions League final, but was more cautious, citing a difficult path to the showpiece finale at the Allianz Arena.
"I said before that it does not matter who Germany get in the group. It turned out to be the hardest they could get," he said.
"But I personally believe that Germany are currently the best team in Europe and have a good chance of winning the European title.
"As for Bayern, we have reached the next round. Now the draw is coming up before Christmas, when we will be placed against group runners-up. But then come a team like Barcelona or Real Madrid. You can imagine how difficult this would be.
"The dream for all of us is to reach the Champions League final in Munich on May 19, but a lot will have to happen before then."
Bayern finished first in Group A with 13 points, ahead of runners-up Napoli, and Manchester City and Villarreal. The round of 16 draw is scheduled for December 16.
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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