Ricken warns Bayern: BVB can keep up a sustained challenge?

While FC Bayern showed weakness on the second matchday in the 0‑0 draw against Schalke, Borussia Dortmund can win the first three Bundesliga matches convincingly and sits behind SC Freiburg, who have a slightly better goal difference, in second place. Can BVB offer sustained resistance in the long term?

Ricken criticises Bayern

Christof Koepsel/GettyImages provides the imagery. In the interview Lars Ricken teased that the relationship between the clubs is respectful, but he hopes the Bayern are a little annoyed. “It is a very respectful relationship between the two clubs. Nevertheless, we have not given Bayern in recent years the feeling that a challenge needs to be issued to them. However, I will not hide that I hope they are a bit annoyed,” said Ricken.

The first weeks of the still new season suggest that the championship will not be a runaway for FC Bayern. While the Munich side faltered on the second matchday in the 0‑0 against Schalke, BVB, behind SC Freiburg, who have a slightly stronger goal difference, occupies second place.

Whether BVB actually has the necessary consistency to challenge FC Bayern over the 34 matchdays remains to be seen. Ricken emphasized that the table shows that Bayern are currently not where they belong, in his opinion.

In the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup Borussia Dortmund put Bayern under pressure in the second half, but the trophy was ultimately claimed by Bayern. In the first three Bundesliga matches Dortmund delivered sovereign performances, including a 2‑0 win over HSV and a 3‑0 win over Paderborn.

The Borussians also won the game in Hoffenheim with a narrow 3‑2 and were able to collect important points. This form could be decisive in solidifying the desired position.