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"Honorary President of the Munich club Franz Beckenbauer is not optimistic and does not believe in the team's chances of defending the title of German champions.
Louis van Gaal's apprentices, who triumphed in the Bundesliga last season, the country's cup tournament, and reached the final of the Champions League, are currently in 12th place after 7 rounds, trailing leaders Mainz by 13 points.
"There are almost no chances of defending the champions' title," Beckenbauer stated to "Sport-Bild." "However, we can still be among the three or five strongest. We must make an effort so that the gap to the leaders does not grow before the winter break."
The legendary footballer also criticized the team's playing style, based on long ball control time.
"If you control the ball, you have to achieve something from it," he complained. "Just passing it back and forth won't lead to anything."
