Lothar Matthäus believes Bayern Munich can triumph in Europe this season.

Lothar Matthäus on Bayern’s European ambitions, Mainz’s surprising season, and Dortmund’s struggles

Lothar Matthäus has never shied away from expressing his views. The legendary Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder shares his thoughts with bundesliga.com on his former club’s European prospects, Mainz’s remarkable season, and Borussia Dortmund’s inconsistent form.

bundesliga.com: How would you assess Bayern’s season so far?

Matthäus: “The German Cup loss at home to Leverkusen in December was a tough blow. They controlled the game, even with a man down. However, aside from that setback, they should be pleased. They are on track, leading Leverkusen by eight points in the Bundesliga, and have a strong chance of reaching the Champions League final in Munich on 31 May—a home fixture that serves as extra motivation. This season has reaffirmed Bayern as Germany’s number one team.”

bundesliga.com: Can Bayern win the Champions League?

Matthäus: “Absolutely. Their performance against Leverkusen in the last round demonstrated their strength. They had some shaky moments earlier in the season, even in the Champions League, but their recent displays—both in results and in terms of discipline, attitude, and individual talent—show they have what it takes to go all the way.”

bundesliga.com: How does this Bayern squad compare to the 2012/13 treble-winning team?

Matthäus: “This team hasn’t had as much time to develop. Back then, the squad had been together longer. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry were well-established, unlike Michael Olise, who is new. There has been a lot of change recently—a new coach, instability at the club—but now they are finding their rhythm. If they maintain this level of confidence, joy, and teamwork, they can reach and even win the Champions League final. That said, tough challenges lie ahead. Inter Milan await in the quarter-finals, and potentially Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semis. Anything can happen, but Bayern won’t fear anyone.”

bundesliga.com: Is the Bundesliga title race already decided?

Matthäus: “I believe so. An eight-point lead with nine matches left is significant. It’s hard to imagine Bayern losing three or more games. Meanwhile, Leverkusen would have to win all of theirs. So, in my view, the title race is over. Leverkusen still have a clear target: the German Cup. Their semi-final against Arminia Bielefeld is a manageable task, giving them a great chance to secure at least one trophy. I wish them success.”

Bayern are through to the Champions League quarter-finals and seem destined to win the Bundesliga. – IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

bundesliga.com: Mainz are third at this stage of the season. How surprising is that?

Matthäus: “For me, they are the surprise of the year. They’ve been excellent—playing with determination, directness, and pressing their opponents aggressively. Their success comes from discipline, passion, and compact play. They even beat Bayern this season, which kept their momentum going. There’s no pressure on them, and you can see how much they’re enjoying the journey.”

bundesliga.com: When Bo Henriksen took over in February 2024, Mainz were second from bottom. How impressive is his turnaround?

Matthäus: “He changed the team’s fortunes last year, and this season, they have gained consistency and confidence. Henriksen leads with passion, energy, and knows how to engage the fans before games—it works for them. They don’t have a big budget for transfers, but they make smart decisions. It’s not just the coach; the entire club is functioning well, and that’s reflected in their position.”

bundesliga.com: Freiburg are fifth. Is that surprising after Christian Streich’s departure?

Matthäus: “Julian Schuster is a good coach. He proved himself with the youth teams and knows Freiburg inside out, just as Streich did, which helped ensure a smooth transition. They deserve to be near the top. They have a mix of experience and young talent, along with plenty of pace in the squad.”

bundesliga.com: They have also kept six consecutive clean sheets…

Matthäus: “Yes, they focus heavily on immediately regaining possession after losing the ball. Few Bundesliga teams are as quick at winning it back. Their defensive organization and compact structure highlight their discipline and individual quality. That kind of approach often secures three points, even when performances aren’t spectacular.”

Watch: Mainz’s push for a top-four finish under the spotlight.

bundesliga.com: Dortmund’s greatest consistency is their inconsistency. What’s your take on their season?

Matthäus: “What’s happening now isn’t new, but it’s another step down from previous years, particularly looking at the table. Even after losing Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, they should be competing for a Champions League spot with this squad. Something isn’t working—whether it’s the players’ mentality or a lack of cohesion. If anyone thought Niko Kovač could fix everything in a few weeks, they don’t understand football. Now is the time for Dortmund to send a clear message to their players. If the club’s badge is too heavy for them, or if playing in front of 80,000 passionate fans is too much pressure, they shouldn’t be at Dortmund next season. I would have loved to play every home match in front of that ‘Yellow Wall,’ but some of these players don’t seem to appreciate that privilege.”

Niko Kovač has faced a tough challenge since taking over at Dortmund in January. – IMAGO/Bahho Kara

bundesliga.com: How can Dortmund return to their best?

Matthäus: “Dortmund have done a lot right over the last 20 years—winning titles and reaching two Champions League finals. But history doesn’t matter now. The successful past is gone. Dortmund once had players with leadership and passion—those kinds of figures are missing now. They need to find them again and build a team around them. That kind of culture takes time to develop. At the same time, the club must continue to grow financially and boost its revenue. But I believe Hans-Joachim Watzke understands this and will take the necessary steps.”

bundesliga.com: Watzke is set to leave his position this summer. Will that affect the club’s direction?

Matthäus: “I’m not sure that’s set in stone yet. Given the current situation, I can imagine Watzke reconsidering. He holds roles in UEFA, FIFA, and the DFL, and running Dortmund on top of that might be too much. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he must be concerned about Dortmund’s struggles. He won’t like what he sees. So, it wouldn’t surprise me if he stays a bit longer. The decision is crucial because Borussia Dortmund is an important club for German football on an international level.”