8:05 AM
Happy new year 2012
Ex-Bayern Munich hitman Giovane Elber believes the club still has some way to go before they can challenge the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Bayern have traditionally been regarded as one of the powerhouses of European football, but their performances this season have been far from convincing.
Despite being heavy favourites, the Bavarian outfit finished third in the German Bundesliga, and bowed out of the UEFA Champions League at the first knockout round.
Elber, who was a star player for Bayern from 1997 to 2003, believes the club still has a long way to go before they can match up with Barca and Real.
"We are not there [on the level of Barcelona and Real Madrid] yet," Elber told TZ.
"Barcelona played incredibly last season. Real Madrid have good players, but Barcelona were a bridge too far for them.
"At Bayern, the team is more important than the individuals. Just like in 2001 - we were strong as a unit.
"The team must become strong again. Bayern Munich must be a collective force, Ribery and Robben are just part of it."
Bayern have already brought in reinforcements for next season in the form of German number one Manuel Neuer and Brazilian full-back Rafinha.
While Elber accepts both players are good additions, he believes Bayern should bolster their squad even further.
"Neuer and Rafinha are good, but the season is long.
"In any case, we need another defender."
Elber believes the lack of arrivals at Bayern last summer under former coach Louis van Gaal proved to be the defining factor in the club's lack of silverware this term.
"Now we can see that it was a mistake.
"[Van Gaal] tried to make it work, but it didn't go well. Purchases should be made.
"Bayern won nothing this season, and strengthening this team is imperative."
Elber also reserved special praise for striker Mario Gomez, who ended the season with 40 goals.
"I am very happy for Gomez, because I have always said that he must stay in the team.
"It was very hard for him in his first year at the club, many called him a bad purchase.
"I have always said that he must work hard and keep his head up.
"He proved last season this is the way."
Elber won four Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals and a UEFA Champions League title during his six-year spell with Bayern.
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