Makaay: next two weeks are crucial

MUTU

The Bavarian giants, who have completed consecutive doubles in the past two seasons, currently languish in fourth position in the Bundesliga, nine points behind leaders Schalke, and are in danger of missing out on Champions League football for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who returned in February for a second spell in charge, has spoken of a "critical situation," and Makaay echoed those comments, telling Eurosport:

"Of course things are critical. We haven't reached our minimum target of third spot. That's why we need to secure third place as quickly as possible so that we can play in the Champions League again next year.

"We have two very important weeks in front of us. Apart from Milan in the Champions League, we also have Schalke, Hannover and [Bayer] Leverkusen waiting for us. You can't really say these games are do-or-die encounters, but we really do have to be careful now."

Bayern have history of coming from seemingly impossible positions to win the title, most notably in 2000/01, when Patrick Andersson brought the Champions plate back to the Isar with the last kick off the season, though Makaay has all but written off his side's hopes of pulling off a similar feat this time round.

"You have to be realistic," he said "There are eight games left and we are nine points behind. Even though Bayern has already performed incredible feats [in the past], it will be very difficult, particularly as two other teams - Bremen and Stuttgart - are still in the race."

The success of two of Bayern's arch-rivals, Werder Bremen and Schalke, who both rely on a traditional playmaker, has led many to speculate on Bayern's failure to replace Michael Ballack adequately as the reason for their struggles this season, and Makaay believes this has played a significant factor in their inability to beat some of the Bundesliga's lesser-lights.

"Of course everyone could see, at least in the Bundesliga, that we're missing a 'number 10.' We have imposed ourselves well in the Champions League without a playmaker. Particularly in the league though, when we're playing supposedly smaller sides who get men behind the ball, we're missing someone who can send a striker in behind the defence and give him a clear shot on goal," he added.

Makaay was reluctant to earmark a player he believes would be suitable for the job, though commented:

"All I know is that in this case the transfer fee is now so important. A player who costs 2 million euros can turn out to be more influential than one who costs 20 million. It's not just about how good the player is, he also has to fit in with the surroundings. In the past, Bayern has always recruited players who fit in perfectly with the mentality of the club. I am convinced that those responsible will find such a player for the coming season, whoever it may be."