Ottmar Hitzfeld: 'Bayern Munich are Champions League favourites'

Former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld has backed the club to retain its Champions League crown this season.

The current Switzerland boss believes that his ex-employers have what it takes to add to their recently-secured Bundesliga trophy by successfully defending the European title.

"It is always sensational when a team gets to break such records," he told RMC Sport. "No team have been champions so early in the season.

"This is a sensational performance from Bayern. Pep Guardiola has made them even better - a coach who had already won everything.

"For me, Bayern are the favourites for the Champions League."

Bayern have been drawn against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.