Breitner: Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich? I'll Win

On April 1st, local time, in an interview with "As", Breitner, who played for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, looked forward to the upcoming Champions League match between the two teams.

He said that his love for the two teams is the same, so he would be happy no matter which team advances. He also praised Bayern's current offensive firepower, believing that Bayern's trident is currently the strongest offensive combination.

How much of your Spanish do you remember?

Breitner: I hardly have a chance to practice, but I will try to maintain my vocabulary so that I can communicate occasionally, like now. We communicate in Spanish, you must be able to understand me.

What are you doing now?

Breitner: Fortunately, I am in good health and still follow football from afar. I served as a global ambassador for Bayern for ten years, but I no longer hold that position. I live in my old home in Bavaria, outside Munich, and I can say that I am very happy.

What are your expectations for the knockout stage of the two teams you played for?

Breitner: The only thing that is certain is that I will win (laughs). I will be happy no matter which team wins, because I have a lot of affection for both teams. It is true that I stayed at Bayern longer, but my love is 50-50. I won't be sad no matter the outcome.

Do you think Bayern is slightly stronger?

Breitner: I don't watch all of Real Madrid's games, only the highlights on TV, but I can say that this is the strongest Bayern in recent years. The team has been strengthened well, the lineup is stronger, more technically comprehensive, and has more scoring ability and choices.

Who is the main threat?

Breitner: It depends on the day, but I would say it is the offensive firepower. Olise, Kane and Diaz have been impressive. I watch their games every week, and they are very exciting. They have formed a formidable attacking machine, a huge threat that Real Madrid must defend against.

The Olise-Kane combination and the Mbappe-Vinicius combination, which one do you prefer?

Breitner: Based on their current form, I think the two combinations are tied. I don't like comparisons too much. They are probably the two most outstanding attacking combinations in football today, each of which is very good. But because Kompany often uses a three-forward formation, while Real Madrid uses two forwards, I would say that Bayern's trident is currently the strongest attacking combination.

In Germany, is Real Madrid the most respected European team?

Breitner: Of course, far more than Barcelona and other European teams. There is no comparison. I often say that Real Madrid is like a star in the football universe.

You only wore a Real Madrid jersey for three years, are you still a Real Madrid fan?

Breitner: Wholeheartedly. Although it was not long, it deeply affected me, and this feeling will be unforgettable for a lifetime. It can be said that my love for the two teams is completely equal.

What are Bayern's expectations for this two-legged match?

Breitner: Expectations are very high, they are full of confidence in the team's condition, but everyone is clear about Real Madrid's strength, and no one is taking it lightly. This will be a wonderful knockout match.

Does playing at home give Bayern an advantage?

Breitner: Not at all. I always like to play the first leg at home first. If you get a good result, the pressure will be transferred to the opponent. They must attack, which will naturally leave space for you to counterattack. That's my opinion.

Did you expect Manchester City to be eliminated?

Breitner: I can't say for sure. Almost everyone thought Manchester City was the favorite, but the current Manchester City is not as good as it was three or four years ago. Their form has declined and they are no longer as brilliant, and Real Madrid seized the opportunity, even though they had injuries.

Why do you think Xabi Alonso didn't succeed?

Breitner: I don't know the specific situation. Xabi Alonso has shown excellent coaching ability in Germany, but I don't understand the daily situation of the club, so I can't comment seriously.

Can someone replace Kroos?

Breitner: No one can have all of Kroos' qualities like he does, but when a player like that leaves, you can only look for another player with a different style but just as effective to replace him.

Do you remember being booed when you returned to Munich for the 1976 European Champions Cup semi-final?

Breitner: It's strange, but understandable. I transferred to Real Madrid in 1974 and said I would never return to Bayern, so the fans resented me. There were no feelings when I returned to Bayern, but I fully understood. Soon after, I returned to my old club again and regained the fans' love. As for regrets... We drew 1-1 at the Bernabéu and lost 0-2 in Munich. I was injured and could only play at 70% of my level, but I still insisted on playing, wanting to prove that I was a Real Madrid player and win glory for the team. In the end, I couldn't contribute as I should, and I realized afterwards that it was stupid to play that day. I shouldn't have told the coach that I was ready. I still regret it to this day.

Did you invite the whole team to your house the day before?

Breitner: Yes. We held a Spanish-style party at home, and I was very happy to see my teammates and Mr. Bernabéu enjoying themselves. He was a very special person, the only true sage I have met in my life.

Do you have great respect for him?

Breitner: Absolutely. He was like my father, and he was very kind to me and my family. He and his wife Maria treated us very thoughtfully. I still talk to my wife about my years in Madrid from time to time, and my heart is full of emotion. That was a good time, perhaps the best three years of my life.

Why did you leave?

Breitner: Because life was too comfortable and there was nothing to do except play football.

Are you saying?

Breitner: Yes. I was very happy, but I had too much time and couldn't participate in other activities or do business. It wasn't enough to pick up the kids from school and go to the park, I was bored. After the second year, I felt it was better to leave.

Just left like that

Breitner: At that time, Secretary-General Agustín Domínguez gave me a four-year contract extension, saying that I was very important to the club. After considering it for a few weeks, I decided to leave and do something that would enrich my life. It may sound strange, the club was very good to us, and the teammates and staff were good, but I left because I was bored, and I was not suitable for just playing football. The memories are precious.

Did Kroos experience something similar many years later?

Breitner: Yes, but my situation was more special, because Kroos stayed at the club for ten years, while I only stayed for three years (laughs). It was difficult to leave happy Real Madrid, but it was my nature, and I had to make a choice.

What are you most concerned about now?

Breitner: In addition to wars and conflicts, I am very worried about how the internet is conquering the world. Now that artificial intelligence is on the rise, I find it very scary.

Will you go to Madrid to watch the game?

Breitner: No, but I will look forward to the team coming to my city to play. It will definitely be a wonderful performance, and I will be very happy no matter what the outcome.