Tottenham Hotspur have been drawn in Bayern’s group in the Champions League.
Tottenham Hotspur made a major statement last season by reaching the Champions League final.
Knocking out Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax on the way, Spurs made the whole of Europe sit up and take notice.
This was evident in the reaction of Bayern Munich’s players in reaction to the draw.
Bayern played against Spurs in pre-season in the Audi Cup, a game which ended 2-2 before Tottenham won on penalties.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told Bayern’s website: “We’ve been handed two strong teams in Olympiacos and Red Star, but I think the race for first and second place will be between Tottenham and us.
“Tottenham have a very good team, they proved it in the Champions League last season and at the Audi Cup in Munich during pre-season”
Neuer’s comments were echoed by Thomas Muller, who said he expected the games against Spurs to be ‘thrilling’.
Muller said: “Tottenham Hotspur are very interesting opponents, I personally haven’t played against them so far. Our two matches against last year’s finalists will definitely be thrilling.”
Joshua Kimmich made the biggest statement about Tottenham’s reputation when he said Bayern would be looking to match them.
He said: “It’s a good chance for us to prove we’re at a top European level against Tottenham.”
Bayern were eliminated in the knockout rounds last season by eventual winners Liverpool.
The German side never realised their potential in Europe under Pep Guardiola and since then they have looked even less likely to win the trophy.
They are in a period of transition under new boss Niko Kovac and a win, or even two, over Tottenham, will be seen as significant.
This is a different experience for Spurs in the group stages, who have in recent years been one of the underdogs.
Now they will be seen as a major scalp, and it is up to Mauricio Pochettino’s side to adjust accordingly
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