06/01/2002 (www.fcbayern.de)
Exclusive Interview with Thorsten Fink
'We've recharged our batteries'
Bayern are back in training after a Christmas holiday lasting less than two weeks. But there is still very little time for the Munich side to get in shape ahead of their first competitive fixture against Wolfsburg on 23rd January. Utility man Thorsten Fink was unconcerned: "Your fitness doesn't suffer much in two weeks," he told Fcb.de in an exclusive interview. And Fink said he was convinced Bayern would top the table at the end of the season, despite currently lying five points behind Leverkusen. "However, the first few games are crucial, we have to win them all. If we do, we'll be champions again," he declared.
Thorsten, you've all been away for two weeks. Was it long enough to recharge your batteries?
Thorsten Fink: "Yes, it was long enough. We desperately needed the break, because we were pretty knackered before. But now we are looking forward to the rest of the season, and are well up for the next few challenges."
You have just under three weeks to get ready for your first competitive fixture against Wolfsburg on January 23rd. Is it enough?
Fink: "Certainly, we only had a two-week break, your fitness doesn't suffer too much."
The weather in Munich at the moment is superb. Is it totally necessary to fly the squad to Spain for a training camp?
Fink: "The sun may be shining, but it's a bit cold for training. We're looking forward to Marbella, and the sunny weather in Spain."
Despite a really poor run at the end of last year, things could undoubtedly have been worse - the gap to the top is "only" five points. Uli Hoene� said you were all overjoyed when news came through during your Christmas party that Bayer had lost in Wolfsburg.
Fink: "Of course, if we had gone eight points behind Leverkusen it would have been damned hard. I had actually thought Bayer would lose in Wolfsburg, they had run into serious injury trouble and were unable to cover so easily. Compared to Leverkusen, we have greater depth in our squad and are better able to compensate for missing players."
Do you think the team with the better squad will win the title this year?
Fink: "I hope it turns out like that. However, the first few games are crucial, we have to win them. If we do, we'll be champions again."
You restart the Bundesliga programme with games against three direct contenders: Schalke, Leverkusen and Dortmund. If it goes badly, your title defence could be over by the middle of February.
Fink: "We don't talk about things like that at Bayern. We always have the attitude that everything will work in our favour and that we'll win all our games. I'm entirely happy to be up against the best teams right at the beginning. It means returning to the top of the table is in our own hands, and we don't end up relying on help from other clubs."
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