Oliver Kahn also wrote his name into the history books of the Bundesliga with one or two attacks on opponents. One of his “victims” was Thomas Brdaric, who 21 years ago had to endure the legendary neck hold of the FC Bayern goalkeeping legend. The ex-professional now somewhat regrets the fact that he spoke about “fear of death” back then.
“Oh yes, that was out of emotion right after the game, in which I later saw yellow and red, but we and Bayer 04 still beat Bayern 2-1 after a weak start to the season. The statement was more of a joke. Today, in the age of social media, I probably wouldn’t put it that way anymore,” said Brdaric in “kicker”, referring to the punt attack that occurred on September 28, 2002.
It’s “interesting that this scene is apparently still in people’s minds,” said the now 48-year-old. “Somehow it’s a piece of Bundesliga history. And what makes a career is that people remember you.
“Normal relationship” with the former boss of FC Bayern
With Kahn, who had to resign as CEO of FC Bayern in May, he has “a completely normal relationship. We last saw each other in the stands in Leverkusen, shook hands and smiled in a friendly manner,” said Brdaric.
The eight-time German national player played a total of 204 Bundesliga games and 101 appearances in the 2nd Bundesliga during his active career. In addition to Bayer Leverkusen, he played for VfB Stuttgart, Fortuna Düsseldorf as well as VfL Wolfsburg and Hannover 96, among others.
Brdaric ended his career in 2008 and has been working as a coach and sports director ever since. He is currently coaching the Al-Arabi club in Kuwait, but has also worked in India, Albania and North Macedonia.