Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the legendary Bayern Munich supremo, has hit back at the growing criticism surrounding UEFA’s revamped Champions League format, urging detractors to “pipe down” and take a closer look at the excitement it has generated. The 68-year-old, who played a key role in Bayern’s success for many years, expressed disbelief at the negative reactions from pundits and fan channels, especially considering the competitive battles unfolding in the new eight-game league system.
Despite Bayern Munich’s struggle to qualify after losing two of their first four matches, Rummenigge remains a firm believer in the new structure, which he argues is far more engaging and emotionally charged than the old group-stage format. In the past, teams could often coast through the group stages by the fourth matchday, but now, even top clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are facing tough challenges to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Rummenigge, echoing sentiments from Celtic fans who have embraced the fresh format, believes that the change is a step forward for European football. “The old group stage was boring because after the fourth matchday things were decided. Now it is more difficult, even for the good clubs, to qualify. What is more difficult is more emotional,” he remarked. “I’m convinced that the fans will gradually appreciate the new league phase more.”
In this new format, smaller clubs like Celtic, Club Brugge, and Dinamo Zagreb have surprised many by sitting comfortably in the top eight, with some of the biggest names in European football struggling to keep up. This has added a layer of unpredictability and excitement, making each matchday feel more vital.
Celtic fans, in particular, have been thrilled with the revamped structure. The Scottish champions, under Brendan Rodgers, are thriving in Europe’s elite competition, enjoying their best run in the Champions League in over a decade. For many, the new format has only heightened the anticipation around these top-tier fixtures.
One of the more vocal critics of the changes, Arsenal Fan TV, expressed disappointment with the single-match approach and compared it to American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, accusing UEFA of prioritizing TV money over traditional football rivalries. “You play a team once, then move on to another, and it’s all for TV money,” one commentator lamented. “Why can’t we play them back at the Emirates after tonight?”
However, for those clubs thriving under the new system, the idea of fresh, unpredictable fixtures has proven to be a welcome change. Teams like Brugge and Celtic now find themselves on the brink of the knockout stages, and games that might once have been seen as a routine encounter are now loaded with significance.
Rummenigge’s comments highlight the contrast between the nostalgic critics and the enthusiastic supporters of the new format, as the Champions League continues to evolve into a more competitive and dynamic tournament. As the likes of Celtic continue to rise, it’s clear that this revamped structure is pushing some of Europe’s top clubs to their limits, and many believe it’s a positive evolution for the game as a whole.
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