Dietmar Hamann Explains Why Bayern Munich Are NOT Champions League Contenders This Season

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Dietmar Hamann does not believe that the German giants have what it takes to go all the way in this season's UEFA Champions League.

UK bookmakers rated Bayern second behind only Manchester City on their list of pre-tournament favorites, but Hamann feels that Thomas Tuchel's side lack the necessary squad depth to be crowned champions of Europe.

Bayern signed England captain Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur last month and also brought in South Korean center-back Kim Min-jae from Napoli during the summer.

Harry Kane pictured (right) training with his Bayern Munich teammates on the eve of their first Champions League game of the 2023/24 season

IMAGO/Sven Simon

However, the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Benjamin Pavard, Sadio Mane, Lucas Hernandez and Joao Cancelo have all left the Allianz Arena since the end of last season.

Manager Tuchel has won the Champions League before, having been in charge of the Chelsea side that lifted the trophy in 2021.

But Hamann told FanNation Futbol this week: "I don't think Bayern are contenders. I think the squad is too thin and there are issues within the team. Tuchel's relationship with some players doesn't look right.

"Bayern should get out of the group, and then it depends on who you face after that. I'd be surprised if they went past the quarters."

Dietmar Hamann pictured playing for Bayern Munich in 1995

IMAGO/Claus Bergmann

German champions Bayern will begin their Group A campaign with a home game against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Copenhagen and Galatasaray are the other teams in Group A.

Hamann, who made 143 first-team appearances for Bayern between 1993 and 1998, was speaking to FanNation Futbol on behalf of Neue Online Casinos.