Voller backs Real for yet more European glory

Forget all the other European big guns, its holders Real Madrid will retain their Champions League crown next spring, German coach Rudi Voller insisted here Monday.

Voller made the not entirely outlandish prediction after witnessing the nine-time Champion's League winners demolish AS Roma 3-0 last week.

"For me Real are the favourites this season," Voller told the television station Premiere.

"Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus are in the group lying close behind," added the 1990 World Cup winner.

Voller then gave a thumbs-up to the quality of the German game despite first round Champions League defeats for Bayern, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

"German football is still in good shape. Aside from the national team finishing runners-up in the World Cup (coached by Voller himself) the club scene has a lot to show for itself over the last few years on the international stage."

"There's no need to worry. Those three defeats only give a snapshot of the whole picture."