Bayern boss Dreesen optimistic despite the threat of hammering opponents | OneFootball

FC Bayern will face the more difficult half of the Champions League – but CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen still sees this as an opportunity

FC Bayern’s path to the Champions League final in Budapest could hardly be more challenging. After the draw, it is clear that the Munich team is in the nominally stronger half of the tournament tree. Atalanta Bergamo, an unpleasant opponent, awaits in the round of 16, followed by Real Madrid and Manchester City, who could be real heavyweights

Jan-Christian Dreesen makes no secret of the fact that the starting position is challenging: „Nobody would believe me if I said that we are happy to be in the left half. It is obvious that the right half is easier,“ he told BILD

At the same time, the FC Bayern CEO doesn’t want to be negative about the situation: „But on the other hand, maybe it’s not so bad to compete against the biggest teams and play tough games.“ For Dreesen, this is precisely part of the club’s DNA. FC Bayern’s ambition is to compete with the best in Europe – especially in the knockout phase of the premier class

Focus initially on Atalanta

photo: IMAGO

Before possible duels with Real or City become concrete, Dreesen is clearly focusing on the round of 16. „Now we have to concentrate on Atalanta first. We saw against Dortmund that we have to take Atalanta seriously.“ The Italian club has already proven its international quality: „They have already won the Europa League against Leverkusen, so they are no strangers.“

„The focus is on Atalanta, then we’ll see what happens.“ Dreesen is sending out a clear signal: despite the difficult draw, no opponent should be underestimated

Should FC Bayern overcome the Bergamo hurdle, they could face a mega clash with Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals. The semi-finals could also feature top-class opponents such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain or Galatasaray. The final will take place on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest

For FC Bayern, one thing is clear: the path is rocky – but challenges like these are part of the club’s self-image. Despite the potential tough opponents, the objective remains unchanged: to reach the final.