Repeat of Bayern’s Successful Season Extremely Difficult, Says Flick
BERLIN (Reuters) - Holders Bayern Munich kick off their Champions League defense against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday but a repeat of their quintuple-winning year will be extremely difficult this season, coach Hansi Flick said on Tuesday.
The Bavarians who lifted the European trophy in a delayed finish to the tournament in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also won the domestic double as well as the domestic and European Super Cup.
"We want to be as successful as possible,” Flick told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s first group stage game. "But to reach the optimum as we did recently will be extremely difficult.”
"Especially in the Champions League there are many very good opponents. It is all about taking one game at a time. It has served us well to focus on the road ahead.”
Several players have recently left the German club, including Thiago Alcantara, Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho. However, they have brought in Leroy Sane, Marc Roca, and Douglas Costa among other this season.
"It is a different team from last season and every team has its strengths and weaknesses,” Flick said.
The Bavarians who lifted the European trophy in a delayed finish to the tournament in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also won the domestic double as well as the domestic and European Super Cup.
"We want to be as successful as possible,” Flick told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s first group stage game. "But to reach the optimum as we did recently will be extremely difficult.”
"Especially in the Champions League there are many very good opponents. It is all about taking one game at a time. It has served us well to focus on the road ahead.”
Several players have recently left the German club, including Thiago Alcantara, Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho. However, they have brought in Leroy Sane, Marc Roca, and Douglas Costa among other this season.
"It is a different team from last season and every team has its strengths and weaknesses,” Flick said.