BVB chief Watzke certain: ‘No chance’ against this Bayern | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund fans have been waiting since 2012. In vain, as we know. Ever since Jürgen Klopp (59) led BVB to the title, the supporters have been hoping for a repeat of that success. But as a rule, FC Bayern Munich burst those title dreams.

Last season, there were a full 16 points between the champions and the runners-up. Borussia did not even come close to Munich. And this season, too, there is little hope of things changing – at least according to Hans-Joachim Watzke (67).

“You have to be honest,” the BVB president said according to BILD in a major interview with RTL/Sky, recalling 2025/26. “Last year we had a good Bundesliga season and picked up 73 points,” Watzke said, pointing to the Black and Yellows’ quite convincing tally. “In the past, that would have been enough to win the title.” But now FC Bayern have pulled away. “Today that’s no longer enough, because FC Bayern dominate everything.”

At Borussia Dortmund, there is only so much that can be done to change that situation, the Sauerland native is convinced. The reason: the top two clubs in Germany have “developed so far apart economically.” Watzke speaks plainly: “So let’s not kid ourselves: Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favourites.”

Praise for FC Bayern

The geographical location in Germany’s “prosperous belt” (Watzke) is a huge advantage, the BVB chief believes. In the state of Bavaria, “everything” flows into the state capital, the 67-year-old is convinced. Nevertheless, he appreciates the work being done on Säbener Straße: “But they’ve also been doing an outstanding job for 40, 50 years.”

In North Rhine-Westphalia, on the other hand, the situation is completely different. “Here you have – not quite as successful, but still very respectable traditional clubs – to the right and left and everywhere: Schalke, Cologne or Gladbach. It’s a completely different structure,” Watzke said, describing the situation between the Rhine and the Weser. “Dortmund isn’t even a state capital, nor is it a metropolis.”

Photo: IMAGO

At BVB, those in charge have to “work with what we have.” But they are “not complaining about that at all.” Watzke’s conclusion is accordingly sobering: “We have to acknowledge that we cannot catch up with FC Bayern economically. No chance.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.