Synopsis
Berlin, April 15 (NationPress) Lothar Matthaus is preparing for an emotionally charged Champions League night. The German football icon recognized the personal significance of Wednesday's quarterfinal second leg between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.Key Takeaways
- Lothar Matthaus reflects on his ties to both clubs.
- Inter leads with a narrow 2-1 advantage.
- Bayern has a history of comebacks in Italy.
- Thomas Muller is seen as pivotal for Bayern's success.
- Speculation about Muller's future continues to grow.
Berlin, April 15 (NationPress) Lothar Matthaus is preparing for an emotionally charged Champions League night. The German football icon recognized the personal significance of Wednesday's quarterfinal second leg between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
"This match divides my heart in two - I'll be mourning for whichever team falls short," expressed Matthaus, 64, who has donned the jerseys of both clubs during his remarkable career.
This evening, the German record international anticipates yet another thrilling chapter in the historic rivalry between these two European powerhouses, as reported by Xinhua.
Inter holds a slim 2-1 lead from the first leg in Munich, while Bayern fans cling to aspirations of another Champions League miracle.
"There have been miracles in the past," reflected the 1990 World Cup champion.
Bayern has executed four legendary comebacks on Italian turf - which is more than any other club has achieved against Inter at the San Siro.
For Matthaus, memories of the 1988-89 UEFA Cup knockout stage linger, when he endured a fierce Round of 16 battle as an Inter player.
The clubs feature a rich history of legendary players, from Jurgen Klinsmann, Andreas Brehme, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, to managers like Giovanni Trapattoni, who has guided both teams. Matthaus' own transfers between the clubs have contributed to that legacy.
The 1990 European and 1991 World Footballer of the Year believes Bayern's offense needs more precise finishing - and a spark from veteran Thomas Muller - to turn the tide.
At 35, Muller is seen as a vital figure, even as the club has opted not to extend his contract beyond this summer.
"He must start. Anything else would be unthinkable," stated Matthaus, who secured the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1991 and Bayern in 1996.
Now a TV analyst, Matthaus cautioned of "challenging times ahead" for manager Vincent Kompany and sporting director Max Eberl if Bayern fails to reach the Champions League final, scheduled for May 31 in Munich.
Meanwhile, Muller's potential return to the starting lineup has become the key narrative heading into Wednesday's clash.
"Thomas can make a significant impact," remarked Bayern supervisory board member Rummenigge, 69, who was the first Bavarian to join Inter in 1984.
While recognizing Inter as the favorites, he added: "Bayern is still capable of progressing if they deliver a comprehensive performance."
And Muller? "He reacted positively after the news broke; his time at Bayern is drawing to a close," Rummenigge noted.
Muller has refrained from discussing his future, yet made his focus clear: "I am a competitive footballer. My only concern is reaching the final."
While a home final could serve as a fairytale farewell for the club legend, speculation is rising regarding a prospective move to Italy. Former Bayern assistant Massimo Morales - who worked under Trapattoni - suggested Inter might pursue Muller post-Munich.
"They target seasoned free agents. Arnautovic exemplified this strategy. Muller could be their next strategic move," Morales stated.
"For altering a game's momentum in the final 20 minutes, there's no one superior to him."
