For ex-CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern’s embarrassing end in the Champions League came at an inopportune time. Because: In this phase of the season, important contract talks are also being held with the players in Munich. In this regard, Rummenigge also has clear advice for the current management and head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge sat in the stands of the Allianz Arena during the bitter 1-1 draw in the second leg against FC Villarreal. “The whole stadium was like in a state of shock,” said the 66-year-old in an interview with “picture“. The Spaniards’ counterattack, which Samuel Chukwueze equalized in the 88th minute, was “a stab in the heart”.
Following the early end in the premier class, the many discussions about FC Bayern promptly began. In addition to head coach Julian Nagelsmann, the current CEO Oliver Kahn was the focus of criticism.
FC Bayern: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge does not want to “pour oil on the fire”
The former goalkeeping titan had commented on the quarter-finals rather soberly, which raised questions among observers given the disappointment with the performance of the record champions.
Meanwhile, Rummenigge did not want to allow himself a dig at his successor. “It’s no use throwing fuel on the fire. I think Oliver was one of the biggest disappointments of anyone who was in the stadium.”
Nevertheless, he outlined how serious the consequences of the premier class knockout will be for FC Bayern in the coming weeks and months: “It’s about so many things, financial income, image, talks with players about contract extensions, and, and, and . A defeat like this comes at the worst possible time.”
Rummenigge’s advice: limit everyone to their competencies
However, the early failure in the Champions League is not due to the lack of quality of the player material. “There are 18 players in the FC Bayern squad who are expected to take part in the World Cup,” said Rummenigge, adding: “The elimination is not due to the quality of the squad.”
Until the summer of 2021, Rummenigge played a key role in putting together the German record champions’ team.
“One thing” bothers him at the moment, said Rummenigge: “The impression was created that only contract talks were taking place all the time, and that everything is constantly being publicly debated. That’s not good, that’s not helpful in such a phase season. Here you have to find a procedure that doesn’t permanently disturb the climate.”
When asked how he judged Nagelsmann’s work, the longtime FC Bayern man replied meaningfully: “If I could give FC Bayern one piece of advice, and that applies to football in general, it would be that everyone in the club should look out for themselves its powers are limited. Things like contract extensions are a matter for the board of directors and the supervisory board.”