- Rolfes asserts that the introduction of the Champions League mode bolsters the powerhouse clubs.
Bayer Leverkusen's Sporting Director, Simon Rolfes, predicts that the revamped Champions League structure and the establishment of the Club World Cup will enhance the influence of the leading clubs within the Bundesliga compared to their rivals.
"The financial opportunities for individual clubs will boost their chances of success. However, this will also benefit the Bundesliga, as it's challenging to maintain an engaging competition at the summit if unexpected teams frequently break in - although it's enjoyable for fans occasionally," Rolfes shared with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
In the future, the Champions League will incorporate a league system featuring more encounters, substitute for the current group stage. This campaign, alongside Leverkusen, FC Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are taking part. "You can observe in other nations: An engaging top is only developed if four to five clubs frequently participate in the Champions League. Only then can the German championship remain open for an extended period," Rolfes believes.
Rolfes does not estimate a lone reign in the league
Before the upcoming Bundesliga season, the ex-national player assumes that there will not be a lone reign by any team, but instead, "the top positions in the Bundesliga will be intensely contested." For Leverkusen, securing a spot within the top four is the ambition.
The past season's double victory has "eliminated this inhibitor, this somewhat immobilizing mentality that often constrained the club," Rolfes stated. This has unleashed additional energy. "It was an 'enchanting book' that we have completed." Even in the Super Cup against Stuttgart, it was evident that something fresh had emerged. "We have new players and a new spirit."
The revamped Champions League structure and the Club World Cup are anticipated to elevate the dominance of top-tier clubs in German football, such as Bayer Leverkusen. In line with this, sports analysts suggest that the future of the Champions League will feature a league system, allowing for more encounters and fostering a competitive environment for leading clubs.
