The Bayern Munich icon believes his former team can seize the Champions League title, yet worries that Germany’s diminished mindset may hinder their performance at the World Cup.
Few individuals in the realm of football possess the same understanding of Bayern Munich as Samuel Kuffour. The Ghanaian centre-back dedicated the prime years of his career to the Allianz Arena, securing five Bundesliga championships, two DFB-Pokal titles, and the UEFA Champions League in 2001.
For over a decade, he was the backbone of one of Europe’s most formidable defences, training alongside and absorbing the mentality of legendary German football figures at their peak.
Now at 49, Kuffour is regarded as one of Bayern’s most beloved legends and is closely following the excitement of the 2025/26 season. His former club is on the brink of a potential treble, having retained the Bundesliga title, an upcoming DFB-Pokal final, and a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Kuffour – ‘This is our time’
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, two of Europe’s top-performing teams, will face off again in the Champions League semi-finals after Bayern previously overcame the French champions in the group stage earlier this season.
PSG, the reigning champions under Luis Enrique, are a formidable presence, while Bayern are the hot favourites domestically.
Kuffour has no reservations about which team he supports.
“The Champions League has become incredibly intense, and when you reach the final four, anything can happen. In our match against Paris, I’m not going to pretend it will be straightforward. They are a strong team, having won it last season. We managed to beat them this season, so these two encounters will truly test Bayern Munich’s mental strength.”
Kompany is paving the way for Black coaches
The playing style exhibited by Bayern this season has been nothing short of spectacular, largely attributed to one man—Vincent Kompany. The former Manchester City captain and now head coach has turned Bayern into one of the most exciting teams in Europe.
Two consecutive Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal final to look forward to, and a Champions League semi-final—Kompany is delivering on every front, and the football community is beginning to take notice in a big way.
Kuffour has been paying close attention, and his admiration runs deep.
“He won the league last season, and although he exited in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid, now he’s in the semi-finals.”
“He’s the first Black coach to manage in Germany while coaching at one of the world’s premier clubs. His performance and the style of play are nothing short of amazing,” Kuffour remarked.
The comparisons being drawn in football circles regarding Kompany have not escaped Kuffour’s notice.
“People are asking, is he the next Pep Guardiola? Is he channeling Johan Cruyff? He has learned from the best. Guardiola made a significant impact on Kompany’s career, and they sought his advice on appointing him as head coach.”
Kompany’s achievements resonate with Kuffour on a deeply personal level, especially as a Black man who forged his legacy in the Bundesliga at a time when there was a stark lack of representation in managerial roles.
“Currently, he stands among the best coaches globally. He is opening numerous doors for Black coaches, and he’s still young.”
The fading German mentality
The discussion shifts to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Germany enters as one of the tournament’s most decorated teams, boasting four world titles and eight finals appearances.
Julian Nagelsmann’s squad is considered a strong contender, bolstered by the talents of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, alongside the weight of expectation that comes with wearing the German jersey.
However, Kuffour believes a fundamental shift has occurred in the core mentality of German football—and this trend has been developing for quite some time.
“When you arrive in Germany, the first thing you must learn is the mentality—it’s about not losing.”
“I’ve witnessed remarkable players. During the 1990 World Cup, I watched Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus. Their approach to training was distinct. If Matthaus lost during training, it was chaos. After training, you would see him venting in the dressing room, throwing things around, and nobody would say a word. That was acceptable because the mentality was centred on never accepting defeat,” he remarked.
Kuffour feels that this edge has been lost. Without it, he fears Germany’s aspirations at the World Cup will not come to fruition.
“I don’t foresee Germany winning the World Cup as they aren’t at that level yet. The momentum and mentality have distinctly waned,” he stated candidly.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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