Kahn surprised by Bayern decline

Oliver Kahn admits the powerful displays exhibited by Borussia Dortmund of late are weakening Bayern Munich’s grip on the Bundesliga.

The German champions have opened up a seven-point gap over their Bavarian rivals at the top of the league, and when quizzed on whether his prediction for a treble was still valid, Bayern legend Kahn said he had been surprised by his former side’s form slump.

“Bayern played dominant football (at the start of the season). What surprises me is that they have almost given up the championship,” Kahn told Bild.

“What are seven points in 10 games? But the fact is that there is not 100 percent inner conviction.”

“Dortmund’s current strength seems to affect the Bayern players, pushing them off track. However, (Bayern) should not give up faith in the title. Eventually, Dortmund’s streak will end.”

Bayern have gained much exposure in the press lately as various members of the club have publicly expressed their opinions on the side’s disappointing form, which has also put coach Jupp Heynckes under intense pressure to keep his job next season.

However, Kahn dismissed the notion of a crisis and believes those connected to the club should refrain from speaking to the press and instead keep quiet.

“We should not panic. The foundations of Bayern are so stable that they could endure a period when things do not go so well,” he said.

“With the pressure of success bearing down on the club, there is obviously a latent unrest at the moment, as the objectives are not being achieved.”

“Unrest in the team is normal, and not counter-productive if it is properly channelled.”

“It is extremely problematic, however, when internal problems are addressed in public.”

The Champions League winner was also quizzed on whether Dortmund’s renaissance bore any resemblance to the side of the ’90s, which saw the likes of Matthias Sammer, Andreas Moller and Jurgen Kohler brought to the club for big money in exchange for silverware.

Kahn then explained their change in culture was key to them staying in the mix for success, and feels the threat they pose is a welcome rivalry for Bayern, and for the fortunes of the German national team.

“Compared to the ’90s, the current success is based not on spending but on financial viability,” Kahn said.

“That opened up the opportunity for the club to stay on top in the future. If you watch Dortmund, you get the impression that they have a vision.”

“Because a permanent over-dominance of Bayern is not optimal in terms of excitement and appeal of the league.”

“Despite the competition, Bayern will become even stronger in the mid-term, which in turn could have a positive impact on the international stage.”