Bayern Munich director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was coy when asked about the future of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and suggested Inter are in the running for the Champions League title.
The 22-year-old Zirkzee has shined under Thiago Motta at Bologna this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, quickly attracting the attention of clubs across Europe including Milan, Juventus, Napoli and Manchester United.
Bayern hold a slight edge on Zirkzee; having sold him to the Rossoblu in August 2022, they hold a €40m buy-back clause, something they could activate this summer before looking around for interested buyers.
Speaking on page nine of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Rummenigge first discussed the lessons Bayern learnt from their recent 1-0 loss to Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.
“We threw away the result in the first half. I’m not saying that we played well, but in a fairly acceptable way, with scoring chances to exploit, however in the second half Upamecano’s mistake cost us a useful result.”
He underlined the pitfalls of the Biancocelesti.
“I said it before the draw, we’re not underestimating anyone. And I know the Italians know how to defend well.
“It’s not a given that Bayern will go through, Lazio have shown that they defend well even against Milan, even though they lost almost at the last second and with 10 men, and then with 8 men.
“In the return match Bayern played well only against Leipzig, in the other games we did not demonstrate the qualities we had before.”
The Bayern board member commented on if Inter have a realistic chance of winning the Champions League this season.
“I think so, because last year they already reached the final and I was there, I saw that they could almost make it. Inter managed to build a good team, with a coach who initially did not have great credibility. Instead he has a relationship that works very well with the team.”
Rummenigge explained what he likes about Inter.
“What they look like. They go onto the pitch convinced they will win and they win. It seems done for the Scudetto, they’re a well-built team, with great intelligence on the financial side from my friend Marotta, and everything works.
“Inzaghi was perhaps underestimated until last year and then he demonstrated his qualities. Atletico are difficult to face, they destroy your will and pleasure in playing football, but Inter deservedly won and I am convinced that they will go through.”
He weighed in on the growth of Zirkzee.
“I remember my last year as CEO, he played well and when Flick put him on the pitch he always scored heavy goals, not the fourth or fifth of the match. He made us win important matches.
“I’m happy for him that he’s doing well, he deserves it, I’ve always seen him play well with us. His bad luck was having someone like Lewandowski in front of him.”
The Bayern board member was then asked if the club would activate Zirkzee’s €40m buy-back clause in the summer.
“We just got a new Sportvorstand (a sporting director, ed.) Max Eberl. I don’t want to meddle in his work, he must demonstrate that he has the great qualities that I believe he has.
“I don’t want to influence him. I don’t know if the clause will be activated or not, it’s part of the market that will take place in the summer.”
Finally, Rummenigge gave a prediction for the second leg of Bayern’s tie with Lazio.
“I hope it goes well for us. But we have to demonstrate our qualities, which undoubtedly exist, so I hope Bayern passes. We will have to deserve the victory.”