Bundesliga
Calmund relies on football gods: Bayer should become champions
Reiner Calmund is hoping for the first German championship in the history of his former club Bayer Leverkusen. photo
© Oliver Dietze/dpa
Bayer Leverkusen against FC Bayern – the top Bundesliga game also electrifies Reiner Calmund. The ex-manager hopes for Leverkusen’s first championship title – and is relying on divine assistance.
According to the former manager Reiner Calmund has more than earned Bayer Leverkusen the German championship this year.
However, the 75-year-old does not expect a decision for the title in the top game against FC Bayern this Saturday (6.30 p.m./Sky). “At most, there is a preliminary decision, but no decision yet. Just look at how close everything is,” Calmund told the German Press Agency.
Leverkusen currently leads the Bundesliga table with two points ahead of Bayern. Despite the tight starting position, Calmund is hoping for the first German championship in the history of his former club.
“If the football gods are even remotely fair, then Leverkusen will be champions this year. It shouldn’t be any different. Simply because of how unlucky the club has been with its runner-up finishes in the past,” says Calmund.
“It’s going to be a real blast”
During his time as Bayer manager, the Leverkusen team came second four times in the Bundesliga – in the 2001/2002 season not only in the league, but also in the Champions League and the DFB Cup. Calmund is all the more hopeful now.
“Leverkusen are playing excellent football, probably the best of all Bundesliga teams this season. They simply deserve it, they have a great coach in Xabi Alonso,” he said. “It’s going to be a real blast on Saturday, a treat.” Calmund will watch the game in Thailand, where he is currently on holiday.