In a recent statement, Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed admiration for FC Bayern Munich’s impressive performance against Paris Saint-Germain during their Champions League match. Despite being a long-time rival as the managing director of Borussia Dortmund, Watzke recognized the exceptional display put forth by Bayern.
Watzke’s Acknowledgment of Bayern’s Strength
The match on Tuesday showcased Bayern’s dominance. Watzke described the game as a blend of admiration and excitement. “The first half was among the best I’ve seen in recent years,” he stated in an interview with Sky following Bayern’s 2-1 victory. He noted that the closing moments of the match became tense, especially after a red card was issued against Bayern’s Luis Diaz. Nevertheless, Watzke praised Bayern for earning the win convincingly, highlighting their statement performance in the first half.
Borussia Dortmund’s Journey
Watzke, while celebrating Bayern’s success, also reflected on Borussia Dortmund’s progress. The team recently faced a challenging 1-4 defeat against Manchester City but remains on track for the knockout phase of the Champions League. In the Bundesliga, Dortmund is currently positioned third, benefiting from a series of stable performances.
Coach Niko Kovac’s Role
- Watzke emphasized the positive impact of coach Niko Kovac.
- He described their relationship as “exceptionally good.”
- Kovac is seen as a significant asset for the club, demonstrating calm and effective leadership.
However, Watzke acknowledged the need for Kovac to consistently prove himself, particularly ahead of their upcoming match against Hamburg. Dortmund faces another challenging opponent in the DFB-Pokal, where they will meet Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. Watzke expressed his usual disappointment with the draw, stating, “We’ve only been given disastrous draws for years, so I wasn’t surprised.” Nonetheless, he noted the advantage of playing the match at home.
Watzke concluded by advocating for Bundesliga unity, urging fans to celebrate when clubs like Bayern Munich excel on the international stage.
