Bayern boss warns against dream of UCL final in Munich becoming a “burden” for players

Like it perhaps was in 2012.

After 13 years, it is happening again: Bayern Munich’s home stadium, the Allianz Arena, is set to host the Champions League final once again. The last time it happened, in 2012, Bayern came up against Chelsea FC and unspeakable horrors happened that we shall not talk about. But this year is the chance for Bayern to set things right. To fully avenge the wrongs of the past by winning the Champions League in front of all their fans in the Allianz Arena.

Except…it should not become a weight on the shoulders of the players, either. Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen touches on both the aspirations of the club this season and the caution that needs to come with these aspirations: “You always have to be careful that your dreams do not become a burden. It is of course very special that we have the final in Munich again, 13 years after the final against Chelsea. And it’s our goal to reach this final,” Dreesen confirmed, via @iMiaSanMia. “But there’s still a long way to go; from the round of 16 onwards there are knockout ties against the top European clubs. The form of the day will also decide that. I think our players are all extremely motivated to reach this final. We are all working to make our dream come true.”

That dream is a dream shared by the fans, but it must not become a millstone around the team’s neck. As of the time of writing, the club has clawed themselves back into a decent position in the Champions League table. The focus must remain on winning all of the last 3 games and securing a spot in the top 8 before dreams of further progression can be realized.