FC Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer spoke with their website to discuss his thoughts on the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and the Bavarian club.
The 74-year-old answered three questions but went into detail to provide his insight. One of the first questions that Beckenbauer was over Bayern’s 3-0 semi-final victory over Olympique Lyonnais. He added that Lyon’s early scoring chances did cause concern, but the Germany international is glad to see his former club move on.
“I watched it on TV and was thrilled, like every other Bayern fan. They didn’t play like they did against Barcelona, but a performance like that is a one-off. The game against Lyon was also remarkable because Olympique are also a very strong team. I remember that from my time with Marseille. They showed it again, especially in the early stages – the French had the first chances of the match,” Beckenbauer said.
“Manuel Neuer made a few brilliant saves. But then the Bavarians took the reins – and didn’t let them go for the rest of the game. That’s how it should be, and it’s also very important. We’ve often seen how teams can let a game slip away from themselves because they get careless, because they think it’s too easy. But they stayed calm and finished the job. It paid off, and you can only compliment the team.”
Then came the questions surrounding the final against Les Parisiens. Bayern Munich’s website asked Beckenbauer how difficult of a task is the capital for the German club. Beckenbauer stated that of all the matches that Bavarian club has had this Champions League season, this one against PSG is the toughest.
“I’ve watched PSG’s games. They’re one heck of a team. It’ll be the most difficult game of this Champions League season. I can’t find any weak points in the team, and I expect them to vary their playing style,” Beckenbauer said. “I hope that both teams don’t hold back too much, don’t show each other too much respect and play just as refreshingly and with a joie de vivre like they have done up to now. Then we can expect a wonderful final.”
Despite being a Bayern Munich legend, Beckenbauer did choose his former club to win the match but emphasized that it’s a 50-50 toss-up as to who will win this matchup.
“It’ll be a match played on equal terms. I’d say it’s 50-50. Sometimes you need a bit of luck. If Bayern gets that, they’ll win the game,” Beckenbauer said.
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