Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund manager, Ottmar Hitzfeld, insists that it's a two horse race for the Bundesliga title.
Ottmar Hitzfeld feels the title race will go down to the wire this season and claimed that Bayern and Dortmund will fight it out in the end. The manager refused to count Schalke as title contenders despite Die Knappen’s impressive
form in the first-half of the season.
Hitzfeld believes that the reigning German champions possess the strongest line-up after Bayern, and could outshine the Reds in their bid to retain the crown. He added that Bayern performed extremely well during the first-half,
and have a good blend of youth and experience in their line-up.
The German admitted that the Reds have found a perfect combination under Jupp Heynckes and hailed his impact on the team.
While talking to the official Bundesliga website, the 63-year-old further stated:
“Bayern have found their balance once again with head coach Jupp Heynckes. While they were very attack minded under Louis van Gaal, they're stronger defensively with Heynckes in charge. They've got a good mix and that shines through
on the pitch.”
On the other hand, Hitzfeld believes that the Borussians have found their feet after a slow start to the ongoing campaign. He feels that the exit from Europe has worked wonders for Jurgen Klopp’s team who are the only other contenders
to win the Bundesliga this season.
“Borussia Dortmund struggled somewhat with the added burden of playing in the Champions League. However, BVB definitely came back strong towards the end of the first half of the season and therefore I'd expect them to step it up
again in the second half of the campaign,” Hitzfeld concluded.
Bayern Munich are currently atop the league table with 37 points at the halfway stage, whereas Dortmund are just three points behind the current leaders in second spot.
The Bavarian giants have the chance to extend their lead to six points at the top as they take on Borussia Monchengladbach this Friday whereas Jurgen Klopp’s side face Hamburg later on Sunday.
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