CHICAGO — While other managers at top European clubs are frantically seeking reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes, Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti says his squad is set.
Despite the departure of Mario Gotze and Sebastian Rode during the summer, the Italian tactician feels he has the squad he needs to contend for a fifth consecutive Bundesliga — and perhaps add the Champions League to the club's trophy cabinet for the first time since 2012-13.
"I think that we are covered in all the positions and we don’t need to add any players," Ancelotti said at a news conference Tuesday. "I’m really happy with the squad. We don’t need to buy another player because I think we are a good squad."
Ancelotti moved quickly to bolster his squad at the beginning of the summer, adding Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches from Benfica before the 18-year-old's breakout in a run to the Euro 2016 title. The club also brought former Bayern youth defender Mats Hummels back to Bavaria from Borussia Dortmund.
The manager also has said that forward Robert Lewandowski's presence in the squad is vital, though he's yet to see the Poland international suit up for his Bayern side. Ancelotti, who spent the last year taking a break from coaching after a stint with Real Madrid, responded that he'd seen enough of Lewandowski over the years to know what he's going to get out of the reigning Bundesliga Golden Boot winner.
"I have seen him play a lot of times. I’ve seen him score a lot of goals. He’s a fantastic striker," the manager said. "We need this player, so we are really happy that he’s here. He’s really important for us. He’s not the only player, fortunately.
"I think we are a fantastic squad, and we will be competitive the whole season."
While Lewandowski is not part of the squad for the Audi Summer Tour, Bayern begins its U.S. tour Wednesday with a match against AC Milan at Solider Field before taking on Inter and Real Madrid in the two subsequent stops.
- Goal