Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac predicts a four way title race
Niko Kovac expects Bayern Munich to face intense competition from four clubs for the Bundesliga title this season.
Bayern Munich will resume their Bundesliga campaign on Saturday after the international break. The defending champions will travel to Red Bull Arena to face RB Leipzig, the league leaders. It is going to be a close game as both teams come into this game on the back of excellent wins.
Leipzig will be a force this season to be reckoned with as they poached Julian Nagelsmann from Hoffenheim. The German manager is amongst the best young managers in Europe. His impact has been visible in Leipzig’s first three games of the season.
Speaking to media on Thursday (via Bundesliga.com), Niko Kovac admitted that Leipzig to challenge for the title this season. He further adds that it will be a four-way race between Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen.
The Croatian manager believes that contribution from every player will be needed this season to retain the Bundesliga title. Kovac is emphasizing on this point as competition for the title will be intense this season.
"“Everyone has to be at 100 percent. That’s true for Bayern and also our opponents. You can’t play at 80 or 90 percent.”“It’s true that Leipzig have come on a lot. It’s getting close. I hope we’ll be the lucky ones. As well as Leipzig, Dortmund and Leverkusen will challenge. The four of us will contest everything. We know to expect a close race.”"
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The title race between Dortmund and Bayern went down to wire last year. Die Roten made a massive comeback in the second half of the season as Dortmund was leading the table by nine points at the start of winter break.
Dortmund has improved their squad this season to take that extra step to win the league title. Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have also added some promising young talents to their squad. With impressive coaches such as Petr Bosz and Naglesmann, these young players could lit up the Bundesliga.
Bayern also had a major job on their hands this summer after deciding to part ways with numerous senior players. The Bundesliga champions have strengthened defense, midfield and attack, but couldn’t get their top targets in these areas.
Tactical Preview: RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich. dark. Next
Despite a strange summer, this Bayern squad still has more than enough quality to retain their domestic trophies. If they manage to play at their potential then they might edge past all the three teams Kovac has mentioned in this interview. The Croatian will be severely tested in the Champions League, though. He will need more than 100% from his players and himself to win the prestigious European trophy.