Bayern legend says PSG lack a ‘Harry Kane’ as Ousmane Dembele doubts grow ahead of Champions League clash
Prior to their Champions League matchup in Paris, Lothar Matthaus has minimised Paris Saint-Germain’s prospects against Bayern Munich.
The German great thinks that Bayern’s undefeated record under Vincent Kompany makes them the real favourites to win the big match at the Parc des Princes and that PSG lacks a game-changing player like Harry Kane.
Matthuus Predict Bayern Munich will win the match against PSG
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Former Bayern captain Matthaus has predicted that the German powerhouses will prevail in the highly anticipated Champions League match at the Parc des Princes.
The World Cup winner revealed in his Sky Sport piece why, despite the French team being the reigning European champions, he thinks Vincent Kompany’s team is superior to Luis Enrique’s PSG.
In his perspective, Matthaus cited Bayern’s extraordinary momentum as a crucial component. It was a show of strength. FC Bayern celebrated their 15th victory in 15 games after defeating Leverkusen 3-0, he said.
“For the opponents to leave the pitch as non-losers against Bayern, a lot of things need to come together.” With 15 straight victories across all competitions, the Bavarians have been unbeatable this season.
They are now leading both the Bundesliga and the Champions League league phase, behind PSG with a spotless record and a goal differential.
Despite their success in Europe last season, PSG has lost ground in Ligue 1, displaying symptoms of fragility.
Matthaus contended in his study that the French champions lack the elite spine that completes Bayern. The next test will be against Paris Saint-Germain.
Two of the best teams in Europe will play one other on Tuesday. Both teams have excellent players, but Paris lacks players like Kane, [Michael] Olise, [Joshua] Kimmich, and [Manuel] Neuer,” he clarified.
The legendary Bayern player commended manager Kompany’s squad for being a well-oiled, balanced one that can adjust to various opponents.
Although the French squad has performed remarkably well in the Champions League thus far, they have already lost a game and dropped points in Ligue 1.
Bayern is a fluid, well-oiled machine. Thus, in my opinion, Paris is unquestionably not the favourite,” Matthaus emphasised.
His remarks highlight how much respect Bayern’s current form commands throughout Europe.
Kompany’s team has combined attacking flair with defensive stability, scoring 54 goals in just 15 games this season while conceding just 12.
The German champions are unbeaten in all competitions this season and have swept Chelsea, Pafos, and Club Brugge in the Champions League with an aggregate score of 12-2.
Their attacking trio, English superstar Kane, French hero Olise, and Colombian international Luis Diaz, were rested during the weekend.
“I’m predicting a 2-1 victory for Bayern,” Matthsus said, expressing his confidence.
Although Bayern has won their last four Champions League games, PSG is the current champion. The players understand that.
He went on to say that Bayern “were more dominant, had more scoring opportunities, and were the better team” even in the Club World Cup loss to PSG earlier this year. Matthaus thinks their current winning run was only strengthened by the defeat.
Matthaus also offered a calm assessment of the Frenchman’s comeback in response to PSG’s star Ousmane Dembele’s recent Ballon d’Or victory.
He added, “Ousmane Dembele may have won the Ballon d’Or, but there were other players who performed just as well throughout the year, but whose clubs were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals.”
Matthaus acknowledged Dembele’s growth and contribution since joining PSG, but he insisted that individual skill might not be sufficient to defeat a formidable Bayern team.
The winger, who just recovered from a thigh ailment, might make an appearance in Paris off the bench, providing Luis Enrique with a much-needed creative boost.
However, Matthaus’ main argument is that Bayern works as a team, while PSG’s success is mostly dependent on individual moments of brilliance.
His comments are in line with the prevailing perception that, while having a superb roster, Enrique’s club lacks the structural discipline that characterises Kompany’s Bayern.
With both teams currently tied at nine points, Tuesday night’s match at the Parc des Princes will probably determine who continues to lead the Champions League league phase.
Bayern’s record-breaking start under Kompany has made them the team to beat in Europe, but PSG has a tiny advantage in goals scored.
In light of concerns about consistency and reliance on individual brilliance, Enrique sees this match as a chance to confirm PSG’s position as the current champions.
Dembele’s possible cameo could spur innovation, but Matthaus’ remarks should serve as a cautionary tale: the French powerhouses need to demonstrate that they can equal Bayern’s collective intensity.
Experience and efficiency define their campaign, as Kane has already scored 22 goals this season and Manuel Neuer is getting close to making his 154th Champions League appearance.
