09 March 2014

JENS LEHMANN: Bayern Can`t keep Unbeaten Run In English Premier League

Jens Lehmann has suggested that Bayern Munich would encounter a far higher level of competition in England as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League.

Die Roten have been formidable this season, dropping only four points in the Bundesliga so far, as they look to defend the German title as well as the DFB-Pokal and Champions League trophies they won in the 2012-13 campaign.

However, though admitting that the Bavarians are an impressive outfit, Lehmann has criticised the standard of opposition that they face domestically, stating that many sides seem to concede defeat before a ball has been kicked.


"I have to say the challenges they are facing in the Bundesliga are not too high," the 44-year-old told The Guardian.

"Their opponents really don't know how to play them. They don't even find a way of trying.

"[For example] Schalke were down 4-0 after 30 minutes," he continued, citing the Royal Blues' 5-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena on March 1.

"That was a little bit embarrassing. I'd like to see a team scoring against them let's say in the 80th minute and being 1-0 up. Then I would like to see how they respond. So far nobody has managed to take that sort of lead.

"Bayern wouldn't go unbeaten in the English league. The depth of the Premier League in terms of quality is higher, even if it is not at the top any more.

"Watching them is a little bit boring as well. They start playing around the back just in case they are pressurised and then slightly go forwards. It's not a pacey game going forward. They step forward bit by bit until they are in the final third and then they have great quality players who can make the difference."

Lehmann, part of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' who enjoyed an undefeated Premier League campaign in 2003-04, stated that Bayern are very much capable of emulating that feat in Germany and will also more than likely overcome his former club in the Champions League last-16.

"Doing better than going unbeaten is not possible," he mused. "That's the maximum. You can't do more.

"Actually, sometimes that means more than winning the Champions League in terms of consistency. Consistency always tells you about the quality of a team. I think they will become unbeaten champions.

"You always have chances," he added in response to the Gunners' chances of overcoming their 2-0 first-leg defeat at the hands of Bayern. "But not a lot. Bayern have learned from last year's experience. They know they are facing some danger."

Arsenal face Bayern at the Allianz Arena in their Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday.

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