FC Bayern is kicking off the Champions League with high ambitions. Sporting director Max Eberl made the Munich club’s goal crystal clear ahead of the opener.
FC Bayern makes no secret of its ambitions in the Champions League. On Thursday, the German record champions kick off the new Champions League season with a home game against Bodo/Glimt. The ultimate goal, however, lies much further ahead: the final on June 5 at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
About a month ago, Vincent Kompany had already boldly declared winning the Champions League as the goal. Now Max Eberl is following suit. In an interview with Sport BILD, the sporting director was asked whether the final in Madrid was Bayern’s clearly defined goal.
His answer is unequivocal: “We want to reach the final and, ideally, win it. We’ll do everything we can to make that happen. Bayern Munich aims to win every possible title.”
Despite this bold declaration of intent, Eberl knows how tightly packed the top of European soccer has become. The 52-year-old sees several clubs at a comparable level.
Eberl sees Bayern on par with Europe’s top clubs
“But given the strength of the competition, it’s true that quality alone is no longer the deciding factor. It’s also that little bit of luck you need at the decisive moment or in a crucial situation,” Eberl explained.
In addition to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, the Bayern boss counts Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Liverpool FC, and Arsenal FC among the major rivals. “The differences in quality between teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are very small. In these games, it all comes down to the little things.”
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Eberl fundamentally believes the current Bayern squad has what it takes to contend for the Champions League trophy. Over the summer, the team was bolstered by the additions of Nathaniel Brown, Ismael Saibari, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye. At the same time, Nicolas Jackson, Leon Goretzka, and Raphaël Guerreiro left the club.
According to the sporting director, the roster has become more versatile as a result of the changes: “We’ve become younger and more flexible, and we’ve also improved in terms of speed, creativity, and adaptability.”
Eberl reiterated in the interview that the Champions League is at the top of the agenda for the coming years. When asked what needs to happen during his tenure, which has been extended through 2029, he said: “I can’t promise a Champions League victory—that requires nuance. But of course, we’d like to have won the Champions League at least once in the next two years.”
The first step toward that big dream is now set to take place against Bodo/Glimt. After the 0-0 draw at Schalke, Bayern wants to show a different side of itself in their Champions League opener.