Matthaus: Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris and Bayern Are the Five Champions League Favorites

On September 8, Matthaus updated his personal column, with the German football legend analyzing the Champions League title race this season.

On Champions League title favorites

In my view, there are five title favorites this year: Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. However, Real Madrid still need to build more overall cohesion—as shown in their match against Betis last weekend—so there are still question marks around them at present. Mourinho also needs to build a united team, and if Mbappe or Vinicius encounter further problems, he may have to leave one of them out.

The other four teams are clear title favorites in my view, although teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool or Atletico Madrid, who have the advantage of hosting the final, also have chances to challenge for the trophy. Borussia Dortmund recently passed a test by completing a comeback win over Hoffenheim and are expected to go further in the Champions League than last year, although this always depends on the draw.

All four Bundesliga teams have strong chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stage

For Stuttgart and Leipzig, the minimum target is to reach the Champions League knockout playoff round. How far each team can go will become clearer in the coming weeks, when we will better understand each team's teamwork. Stuttgart have improved in recent years, so I have slightly more confidence in Stuttgart than Leipzig. Overall, all four German teams have strong chances of advancing to the Champions League knockout stage.

On Bundesliga promoted side Elversberg

Promoted side Elversberg have started with two straight wins, with results far beyond anyone's expectations. They have an attacking style, great confidence and a firm belief in themselves. This approach will of course not always be as effective as it was against Monchengladbach last Saturday, but their clear characteristics are visible, bringing back memories of the surprising and exciting moments when Red Bull entered football.

One reason for Elversberg's success is head coach Vincent Wagner. Although I do not know him personally, his public image seems very likable to me. The way he speaks in interviews reflects his team's style: fresh, sincere, direct and full of passion.

On Vincent Wagner's red card

Because Wagner was sent off with a red card in the match against Monchengladbach, he will not be able to direct the team from the bench against Bayern on Sunday. I think this is extremely unreasonable. If football wants to pursue fairness, it must also show a certain level of sensitivity and understanding. Shortly after halftime, Wagner carefully approached the referee and calmly asked questions without aggression or emotional outbursts, yet he was immediately sent off for unsporting behavior.

If the German Football Association regulations are interpreted so strictly, then every coach who leaves the technical area or argues with referees would have to receive a yellow card. Where would that lead us? Regardless of the regulations, sometimes you need to step onto the field and communicate with referees. Harry Kane is a model professional player in the Bundesliga, but he is not Bayern Munich's captain. Technically, he should not approach referees, yet he argues with officials frequently every week, just like countless other players and coaches.

Discussing decisions with referees is a very normal part of football, and I think punishing this Elversberg coach is extremely unreasonable. In my view, it is almost as absurd as the decision to overturn Balogun's red card during the World Cup.

This is not only about the Elversberg coach or the match against Bayern; it concerns the bigger picture. We want to establish a reasonable relationship of cooperation, and it is difficult to find a more appropriate way to approach referees than Wagner showed. He set a good example of how to communicate with officials. These actions made me say: "Football is no longer fun." Please stop this approach and let us enjoy football again. If the German Football Association disciplinary committee allows any leniency, then for me there is only one decision: Wagner should be allowed to be on the bench against Bayern.

On Schalke drawing with Bayern

Schalke deserved a point. Although the match was not outstanding offensively, they were a model of defensive resistance against Bayern, giving everything and putting all their effort into the performance. This was the only way to take points from Bayern, so congratulations to the Schalke coach and players, who undoubtedly excited supporters with a passionate display and sparked renewed enthusiasm.

On Kleindienst criticizing teammates

After suffering two consecutive defeats, Monchengladbach fans have almost lost their enthusiasm. Captain Kleindienst was the first to criticize his teammates, urging them to spend less time on social media. He may have a point in principle, but at the same time, he was not the person who truly turned the situation around. Criticizing individual players in front of cameras is also not entirely in line with a captain's responsibilities.

As captain, you can criticize one or two players by name in a team meeting, but you should never do so publicly. Criticism can certainly be expressed, but the method must be appropriate. Monchengladbach need to win as soon as possible, otherwise Polanski, who was already under pressure last season, could become the first Bundesliga coach to be dismissed this season.