Bayern goes from ‘sausages to stars’

MUNICH - Agence France Presse

Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez shoots and scores the third goal during his team’s 7-0 rout over Basel in the Champions League round of 16. REUTERS photo

Despite Bayern Munich’s 7-0 rout of FC Basel, club president Uli Hoeness has scoffed at suggestions the Bavarians are now amongst the favorites to win the Champions League.

Germany striker Mario Gomez scored four goals and Dutch wing Arjen Robben netted twice on Tuesday as Bayern blasted Basel in the Round of 16 tie to reach the quarterfinals.

Munich’s Allianz Arena hosts the final on May 19 but Hoeness quickly scotched all talk of Bayern now being among the favorites to lift the trophy.

“Be sure to browse the list of teams yet to come. You can’t talk about the final yet,” said Hoeness, who could not resist mocking the reporters’ enthusiasm only two weeks after unflattering headlines followed a 2-0 defeat at Leverkusen, their second defeat in three games.

“For 14 days, Bayern were a bunch of sausages, now they should be superstars!

“There’s Barcelona, there is Real Madrid or perhaps AC Milan.

“There are still teams involved who are all top notch and if you take them on in anything less than top form, you have no chance.

“They will have no fear of us.”

But after such a devastating display from Bayern, Basel coach Heiko Vogel said Munich must be allowed to dream of winning the final on home turf.

“With this brilliance, Bayern don’t need to fear anyone,” the former Bayern coach said.

But having lost both of its last two away games, Bayern Munich will need to improve away from home if it is to realistically win its first Champions League trophy since 2001.