FC Bayern go into the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain with a broad chest – but not everyone sees the Munich side as having the advantage. Former international Markus Babbel has issued a clear warning ahead of the clash with the French top club
Although Bayern impressed in the quarter-final against Real Madrid with spectacular performances and two victories, Vincent Kompany’s team repeatedly revealed weaknesses in defence in particular. This is precisely where Babbel comes in
„The game against Real reminded me a bit of last year,“ explained the 53-year-old in an interview with BILD. He was particularly struck by the lack of order and coordination in defence
Mistakes that went well against Real – but could be punished much more severely against PSG
„You can’t do that against Paris“
Babbel is particularly concerned about the French side’s attacking quality, with players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving PSG enormous penetrating power
His warning is correspondingly clear: „You can’t do that against Paris. If you make these mistakes, they will destroy you!“
Babbel particularly emphasizes the development of the Parisians, saying that the team has improved significantly over the course of the season and can no longer be compared to the opponents Bayern beat in the league phase
Despite all the criticism, Babbel does not believe Munich are without a chance. On the contrary: individually, FC Bayern are at least on a par with PSG. „Individually, they are no worse than Paris, quite the opposite,“ emphasized the former Bayern professional. However, it will be crucial for the team to show their top form in both games
Concentration in the decisive moments
For Babbel, the key to reaching the final is obvious: maximum concentration and defensive stability
The Munich team would have to consistently eliminate the mistakes from the Real duels and „be fully there“ for 180 minutes. If they succeed, he believes the record champions are capable of achieving the big win
The semi-final against PSG will be a real test of maturity for FC Bayern. Offensive spectacles like those against Real might not be enough this time – a balanced performance at the highest level is required.