News Focus
- Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praises PSG’s back-to-back European triumph
- He claims Arsenal failed to capitalise when PSG’s key stars left the pitch
- Rummenigge insists big spending is not the answer for Bayern’s future success
- The German giants lost 6-5 on aggregate to the eventual winners in the semi-finals
FC Bayern Munich honorary chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has congratulated Paris Saint-Germain on winning back-to-back Champions League titles. However, he believes Arsenal FC wasted a golden chance to lift the trophy.
Speaking to TZ München reporter Philipp Kessler after Saturday’s final, Rummenigge praised the French side. He said PSG and Bayern played the most attractive football this season.
“Football should bring joy to fans. Paris Saint-Germain did exactly that,” the former striker said. But he pointed to Arsenal’s failure in the closing stages. “Arsenal missed a huge opportunity. Many PSG stars had left the pitch in the second half of extra time. That was the moment for Arsenal to attack.”
The Bavarian chief suggested Arsenal lost their nerve before penalties. He said shootouts are always a lottery. “Arsenal’s players simply needed to score. The PSG goalkeeper looked injured,” he added.
Rummenigge also spoke about Bayern’s own exit. The German giants lost 6-5 on aggregate to PSG in the semi-finals. He rejected the idea that big spending brings success.
“You do not need the biggest budget. You need the smartest plan,” he explained. “PSG only succeeded when they stopped being expensive individuals and became a true team.”
The 69-year-old backed manager Vincent Kompany. He said Bayern should not copy English or Spanish clubs. “We have an excellent coach and a clear vision. We must continue this path with determination,” he stated.
Rummenigge called the semi-final against PSG the best match of the tournament. “Our 5-4 loss in Paris was the finest game of this Champions League season. It was football at its very best. Everyone in Budapest agreed, from Luis Figo to the UEFA president,” he concluded.