The national player of the German record gives his prognosis for the new Bundesliga season.
The new Bundesliga season is coming – and like every year we wonder before it starts: who wins the championship? Who is eligible for European competition? Who is being relegated? Opinions about these questions vary greatly.
Lothar Matthäus has now compiled his own prediction for the Bundesliga classification 2025/26 for Sport Bild, and at least there are no surprises with regard to the title. “FC Bayern is the clear favorite to win the championship when they do their homework again. The departure of legend Thomas Müller will not change that,” said the record -breaking German international. “I think the team's hierarchy, with players such as Neuer, Kane, Kimmich and Goretzka, is stable enough. From a sporting perspective, they must also be able to address the absence of Musiala in the first half of the season with this team.”
Eg as Bayern's first pursuer
Matthäus sees the same three teams in the classification of the Champions League as last season – albeit in a different order. Bvb, which only slid in the top four at the last minute last season, will finish second place according to Matthäus and and there can even be more in the store: “If FC Bayern Falter, Borussia Dortmund, must be this season and have players of their coach.”
Leipzig and Stuttgart from the Champions League
This also means that RB Leipzig would miss the Champions League again. “My prediction will probably not please Leipzig,” Matthäus admits, “because they expect titles at Red Bull. Especially after Jürgen Klopp was hired as the brain. But I see more quality and experience in Frankfurt and Leverkusen.”
Behind Leipzig, Matthäus VFB sees Stuttgart in sixth place. Much will depend on how the Nick Woltemade Saga continues: “The attacker can make the difference in sporting terms if he stays. Without him it will probably not be enough for the Champions League.”
Heidenheim and Hoffenheim relegated
On the other side of the table, Matthäus TSG Hoffenheim sees as relegated teams in addition to 1. FC Heidenheim. “Frank Schmidt should hang my table in the dressing room as a motivation against relegation,” said Matthäus about FCH. “If anyone can do the miracle again to avoid relegation again, it is Frank Schmidt. I hope he will be wrong again this season.”
At TSG, Matthäus sees 'too much unrest in the club' and he is not sure if keeping Christian Ilzer will bear fruit. “Only if Stach and Bischof find equal replacements in midfield, at least I see Hoffenheim in the relegation zone.”
Matthäus, however, tips at HSV for the relegation -Play -off place: “The fans can forgive me, because I am convinced that HSV can play in relegation -and will eventually prevail.”
The TV expert sees the second promoted team from Cologne above the relegation zone. “I have not seen unanimity for a long time at 1. FC Köln,” Matthäus explained. “That is the fundamental condition for their current success.”
Matthäus' prediction for the Bundesliga table
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