Hitzfeld predicts Bayern domination

Posted Saturday, May 22, 2010 by PA

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes a new golden era is just beginning for the German champions.

Bayern face Inter Milan at the Bernabeu in the Champions League final with both clubs on the verge of historic trebles having already wrapped up their domestic league and cup titles.

Furthermore, both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho can make history by winning the competition with a second club - just like Hitzfeld did when Bayern last lifted the trophy in 2001.

And Hitzfeld, who now coaches the Switzerland national team, reckons Van Gaal's Bayern are on the verge of something big.

"This team has a great deal of potential and, given the number of young players, they are far from reaching their zenith," the 61-year-old told the Welt newspaper.

"I am absolutely convinced that this team will dominate European football in the coming years.

"I say that even in view of the big-name competition from England, Italy or Spain.

"Bayern are playing seriously impressive football these days."

Hitzfeld feels the current Bayern side is even stronger than the one he guided to European glory nine years ago.

He said: "We had a great team spirit back then and that is the case today also.

"Nevertheless, the current team has a bit more substance to it and has players like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who are two extraordinary players, among their ranks.

"They are world-class players who can create a lot of pressure down the wings.

"But also (Mark) van Bommel and (Bastian) Schweinsteiger are world class. For me, there is no better midfield in Europe at present than Bayern's."

Inter striker Samuel Eto'o pointed to combative midfielder van Bommel as Bayern's "decisive weapon".

Eto'o has first-hand experience of Van Bommel's talent having played alongside the Dutchman at Barcelona, and warned the Bayern skipper could prove the difference at the Bernabeu.

"He's a leader, a great player. I've had the opportunity to meet great players throughout my career and he is a real champion," Eto'o told uefa.com.

"He has a great mentality - he's always positive. He's a warrior, he gives everything. He's a decisive weapon for his team."

Eto'o heads into the match bidding for his third win in a Champions League final after scoring in Barca's triumphs against Arsenal in 2006 and Manchester United 12 months ago.

Eto'o will become only the second player in the history of the competition to score in three different European Cup finals if he finds the target, but the Cameroon international is refusing to think in those terms ahead of kick-off.

Eto'o would join Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano as the only players to achieve the feat but he said: "Those two finals were against English teams.

"This will be a new kind of experience - me at a different club, coming up against a great Bayern team. Let's wait and see."