The former Bayern Munich sporting director—now a BVB advisor—has a knack for delivering blunt criticism when everyone else is still celebrating. After four successful years that yielded one Champions League crown and three semi-final berths, Sammer departed Bayern in 2016. Shortly before that, on the heels of the dramatic victory over Juventus mentioned by Kimmich, the Munich side suffered an equally dramatic semi-final defeat to Atlético Madrid. This year’s final in Budapest could reunite the rivals, but first Bayern must navigate a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Kimmich describes PSG as “the team in the best form” in Europe, while Bayern chairman Jan Christian Dreesen still rates the reigning champions as favourites, despite Bayern’s 2-1 away win in the group stage last November. After an outstanding first half, the Bavarians—reduced to ten men following Díaz’s dismissal—held on for the win in a defensive battle.
Incidentally, Kimmich also recalled the clash with Juventus ten years ago, which clearly left a lasting impression—though not, as on this occasion, the dramatic second leg. When asked whether the first half against PSG had been the best of his time at FC Bayern, Kimmich replied, “Yes.” The only rival: the opening 45 minutes of the 2016 Juve first leg. Against PSG, Bayern will need both the dominant play of that Juve first leg and the grit shown in the return match.