Record-capped national player Lothar Matthäus is a big fan of the new Champions League format. “From the start, there are of course games that I think have the character of a final,” wrote the 1990 football world champion in his Sky column, referring to FC Bayern Munich’s games in the league phase against FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, among others.
“In general, the clubs can be less tactical because a bad result means they are overtaken by three, four or five other teams,” wrote Matthäus: “No team can play with the handbrake on or with the reserve team.”
Instead of a group phase, the Champions League, which begins this Tuesday, now has a league phase. Each of the 36 clubs – there were 32 so far – will play four times at home and four times away. The top eight teams in the table at the end of the league phase qualify directly for the round of 16. The clubs in positions 9 to 24 will play in a new knockout round to advance. From the round of 16 onwards, the premier class will run as usual, with knockout rounds with home and away matches.
Real, Man City and Bayern are Matthäus’ favourites
Because of the new format, Matthäus said he expects exciting games early in the season: “I do believe that there will be a lot of back and forth this season and that makes this new idea from UEFA even more exciting. This first phase in particular is pure excitement! You don’t have it all under control alone, but ultimately play directly or indirectly against all the teams.”
But the former professional also believes the big favorites are the same. He sees defending champions Real Madrid and England champions Manchester City at the top, “but then comes Bayern Munich,” said the 63-year-old.
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