TOUGH SEASON

Ten titles in a row a huge achievement, says Lewandowski

Bayern defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in front of a sold-out home crowd to go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

In Summary

• “It’s not always easy to be consistent and play great football throughout the campaign,” Lewandowski said.

• Forward Thomas Mueller, who became the first player to win 11 league titles, said nothing could beat the feeling of winning the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka celebrates with teammates after winning the Bundesliga title
Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka celebrates with teammates after winning the Bundesliga title
Image: REUTERS

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski heaped praise on the German team’s “huge achievement” after they won their 10th consecutive Bundesliga crown with three games to spare on Saturday.

Bayern defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in front of a sold-out home crowd to go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

They have now won 31 Bundesliga titles since the introduction of the top division in 1963, and 32 German league crowns in all.

“It’s not always easy to be consistent and play great football throughout the campaign,” Lewandowski said.

“Perhaps in a couple of years, people will realise what a huge achievement 10 titles in a row is.”

Forward Thomas Mueller, who became the first player to win 11 league titles, said nothing could beat the feeling of winning the Bundesliga.

“You don’t have that situation often enough, to win the championship against your direct rivals in a home game. We really wanted to do that,” Mueller said.

Midfielder Jamal Musiala said he was “overwhelmed” after scoring the third goal which sealed their victory against Dortmund, while Joshua Kimmich also delighted with their “special” achievement.

“It may seem normal for outsiders, but it takes a lot of hard work. We’re really happy and proud to reach this big goal,” Kimmich added.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann also breathed a sigh of relief when he crowned a challenging first season with his first Bundesliga title.

“It felt great. I know how important it was to win it today,” Nagelsmann, who had joined from RB Leipzig, said. “It moves the season into a better light. It is my first major title as well so it feels great.”

“It was not an easy season I have to say,” said Nagelsmann, who at 34 became the second youngest coach to win the Bundesliga.

“I am not one to complain but a lot of things happened and we had setbacks. So I am happy to have won it. Had we not won today we would have to handle an unnecessary setback.”

The Bavarians had suffered a shock Champions League quarter-final exit to Villarreal earlier in the month and had also crashed out of the German Cup second round with their heaviest ever defeat, a 5-0 thrashing by Borussia Moenchengladbach.

That made winning the league mandatory.

“It has not been an easy season so that is why I am happy that we sealed it with the league title,” Nagelsmann said.

“Next season I will be feeling the same pressure if not more and hopefully we are more successful in two of the three competitions and then also win the 11th straight league title.”