Bayern kick off the Bundesliga season with a home clash against Hoffenheim on Friday night, and although Niko Kovac has replaced coach Jupp Heynckes, who came out of retirement to deliver the title last season after Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed, they are once again considered strong favourites.
Lahm, who won a record nine Bundesliga titles with Bayern before retiring in 2017, hopes that some of their rivals can run them closer this term.
"Bayern are No. 1 favourites and they will win it again, but a bit of suspense would do the Bundesliga some good with a few sides able to compete for the whole season," Lahm told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I hope that Borussia Dortmund will get back to their former levels. Schalke have good players and you can see coach [Domenico] Tedesco's signature.
"They'll be up there, but with the Champions League, it's going to be difficult for them to come second again, while I also like the look of Hoffenheim."
Lahm believes extra competition could also benefit Bayern when it comes to the Champions League, which they last won in 2013.
Philip Lahm: Bayern need extra competition to improve Bundesliga
Reviewed by Erins Davies
on
August 24, 2018
Rating:
Reviewed by Erins Davies
on
August 24, 2018
Rating:
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