Sammer tips Bayern for Bundesliga glory

Former European footballer of the year Matthias Sammer believes Bayern Munich will return to the summit of German football this season.

Sammer won virtually every honour in the domestic game as a player and later a manager, and is now the technical director of the German Football Association (DFB). He also helped Germany win the European Championships in 1996.

And he thinks that now the Bayern squad has been assembled they must be considered favourites for the title.

“Basically Bayern Munich is one of, if not the favourite for the title,” Sammer said.

“Especially because almost every player is able to take part in the preparation. The physical condition is basic for being strong throughout the season.”

“At the moment everything seems to be very positive. But never the less, the prize will only be handed over next year”

Part of that new squad is Jerome Boateng who ends an unhappy spell in the UK to return to Germany.

Boateng joined Manchester City from Hamburg in 2010 but after making just 16 appearances for City, he has returned to Germany to link up with Bayern.

Despite failing to impress at City, Sammer has faith in Boteng’s ability.

“He needs time after his knee injury, he needs to rebuild, even though he is fully fit again, you shouldn’t forget that he has missed a few games,” Sammer said.

“He is very good at passing the ball, he is fast and he is the type of player that sets himself up with high aims, and with all I’ve been reading about Munich, everything will match.”

“As soon as he gets adapted and integrated, he will be a very strong player for Munich.”

Bayern start their Bundesliga campaign at home against Borussia Moenchengladbach on August 7.