“PSG have many options against Bayern without Neymar”

Bayern was so important to his career that Élber Giovane de Souza (Londrina, Brazil, July 23, 1972) chose to stay and live in Munich instead of going home. He was a striker for the German team at the beginning of this century and in 2001 he won the Champions League at San Siro after beating Valencia in the final. Today he is still linked with Bayern as an ambassador, and reviews the tie against PSG for Mundo Deportivo, which sees it open despite a 0-1 first leg.

What do you miss the most?

Many things. Being a footballer is a privilege and every time a Champions League tie like this comes I remember the things I was able to play and the final we won at the San Siro against Valencia. Perhaps what I miss most is the goal…

He is the third highest foreign scorer in the Bundesliga, behind Pizarro and Lewandowski.

When I started playing I never imagined doing everything I did. I was just a kid from Brazil, but I had a chance to succeed. Covering so much eventually is a gift that is the result of an entire career’s effort and work.

What is your relationship with Bayern?

I am an ambassador for the club, and I still live in Munich. I am still close to the club, with the players and I am used to traveling with the team to the Champions League. I love being at Allianz, spending time with the fans and the sponsors.

It is a structured club, led by its legends.

As Barça’s motto says, Bayern is more than a club. Having people who feel the colors in positions of responsibility allows us to grow and go in the same direction. The footballer who has done something great always has an open door at Bayern.

Think you’ve almost done the job against PSG in the Champions League?

Absolutely. I think there is still a long way to go and nothing has been decided yet. In the first leg, Bayern played a good game, but when Mbappé came out it was scary. This tie has a lot of life.

Everything goes through Mbappé at PSG.

Any PSG comeback option hinges on confidence in Kylian. He is an unstoppable footballer now. He reminds me a lot of Ronaldo, my compatriot. I haven’t seen that explosion in many other players.

But FIFA gave The Best to Messi. And he is the favorite for the next Ballon d’Or…

Argentina’s victory in the World Cup is huge, but the best player in the world is Mbappé. This is on another level. Nor should we underestimate Benzema, who won almost everything last season.

How far will this obsession with the Champions League condition PSG?

Being champion in France is not listed. It doesn’t have much value. PSG have a big problem because they know they are only happy in the Champions League and that is dangerous. They have been trying to conquer Europe for years without success and managing that fact is not easy. I think they have the ability to do it this season, but they will suffer.

Neymar is not at PSG. What do you think?

Which is not as serious as some might think. I jokingly commented that PSG have more options without Neymar but I said it because I believe it. Without him, Christophe Galtier will be able to balance the team. That’s what the PSG dressing room should think about: working as a group, not everyone on their own.

Have you made a lot of bad decisions?

The first, leave Barcelona. He said he aspired to be number one without Messi by his side, but he was totally wrong. One cannot pretend to be the best in the world by changing Barça for PSG. As a city, Paris is a great place, but for football there are few places better than Barcelona.

Did your career fail you?

I think, in Barcelona, ​​he confirmed the expectations that he aroused in Santos. He was destined to be Messi’s successor, but his move to PSG cut all that short. When he decided to pay his termination clause, Robinho’s case came to mind. He left Real Madrid to go to Manchester City and then to Milan, but he is not the same. Neither is Neymar.

You also played in France, but for Olympique de Lyon.

That’s why I say what I say, because I speak from experience. France is an interesting league, where I managed to win a championship that I remember, but of the five major leagues it is the fifth most important.

Are you expecting a match similar to the first leg, with Bayern dominating?

I think the script will be similar. If PSG have 100% Mbappé, they will prepare a game to take advantage of their runs in space. Bayern are comfortable on the ball, they are used to managing, but they need to be careful about defeats.

What weaknesses does the team have?

It has a few cracks. Perhaps losing Sané was important, but in return he got Mané back. Sommer supplied Neuer well and it wasn’t easy. I know the club is upset that he gave an interview to show his anger because Bayern fired the goalkeeping coach, but he is someone close to him and you have to understand that too.

Does Bayern miss Lewandowski?

Anyone who says no is lying. He is, without a doubt, one of the great legends in the history of the club. However, Choupo-Moting has done a great job. It wasn’t Lewandowski, but he rose to the occasion. At first it was difficult to accept, but people understood that Robert wanted a change of scenery, to try another experience. After all, he decided to go to Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​​​​not to any club.

No matter who plays, Bayern is always scary.

Because the important thing is the group. Bayern does not have Mbappé, a Messi or a Neymar, but the dressing room is united from first to last.

Being knocked out of the Champions League at this point is a failure?

It may not be a failure, but a huge failure. Both Bayern and PSG are always expected in the final stages of the competition, but neither can survive. The tie is still at 50%, despite the 0-1 first leg.