In mid-May, FC Bayern was still on red alert, but meanwhile it’s sunshine again. Lothar Matthäus primarily blames the changes in management positions for this.
In a week, Christoph Freund will start working as sporting director at Bayern Munich. The Austrian comes from RB Salzburg to Säbener Straße, where he is to replace the ousted Hasan Salihamidzic.
Immediately after the last-minute championship, the Bosnian had to vacate his post, and CEO Oliver Kahn was also relieved of his duties. The former world-class goalkeeper was succeeded by Jan-Christian Dreesen, while Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge regained influence.
Important and, above all, unavoidable steps for a lasting change of mood in the club, says Lothar Matthäus.
“It’s not just about collecting 70 or 80 points, it’s also about the atmosphere. In the end, that really bothered a lot of people. There was no sense of cohesion on the pitch or in the club,” the 62-year-old recalled in ” picture” interview.
Matthäus: “There was no more laughing” at FC Bayern
Matthäus reported on his own experiences from the Kahn/Salihamidzic era. “If you went to lunch in Munich, only negative things were said about Bayern Munich, there was a lot of unrest. The fans, the staff – many were no longer satisfied, there was no more laughter,” revealed the 1990 world champion.
This would also have felt the professional team. “If the joy is lost, then it transfers from one department to the other and finally to the pitch,” Matthäus clarified.
With the new management team, today’s TV expert sees the German industry leader as well-equipped for the future.
“With Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, people have come back to the club who are exemplifying ‘Mia san mia’ again – this humanity, this cohesion, especially in difficult times,” said Matthäus: “They are also looking for conversation with the players. That always made this club strong.”