Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has warned the club not to under-estimate Lyon ahead of their Champions League semi-final meeting on Wednesday.
Bayern are regarded by many as favourites to reach the final following their quarter-final victory over Manchester United, but Hitzfeld believes Lyon are a team to be feared.
A defeat and a draw to Lyon during the group stage of the 2003-04 Champions League season contributed to Hitzfeld losing his job as Bayern coach.
“You have got to win at home because Lyon are very strong at their place,” he told Sport1.de. “They have more weaknesses away and their attack is not so decisive while they are more susceptible at the back too.
“Bayern have got to ensure they don’t get lulled into a false sense of security. Lyon like to delay things and don’t often play along. Bayern will probably have 60-65% of possession, but they have to make sure they don’t get surprised at the back.”
If Bayern do prevail, Hitzfeld believes they would face an uphill battle whoever they faced in the final.
“It depends who the opponents are,” he said. “Against Lyon, they are slight favourites, even though it won’t be easy because semi-finals are always keenly contested.
“If they play Inter Milan in the final, I would say the chances would be 50/50, but against Barcelona, then Barca would be clear favourites as they are currently the best team in the world.”
