The surprising end in the premier class has left its mark on the German record champions. According to a report, the CEO of Munich has now felt compelled to give a clear signal.
Out of the Champions League, out of the DFB Cup – in 2021/22 FC Bayern apparently has “only” one title left: the German championship. After the 3-0 win at relegation candidate Arminia Bielefeld, the German record champions have a nine-point lead over pursuers Borussia Dortmund with four games to go. Even more: In a direct duel next weekend, the Munich team could make their next title defense perfect – it would be the tenth championship in a row.
But Bayern’s disappointing midweek elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals against Villarreal has probably hit the club hard. So obvious that CEO Oliver Kahn felt it was his duty to intervene.
Bielefeld shoot from their own stadium
Because a report by “Bild” now says: The 52-year-old is said to have given an incendiary speech in the dressing room on Saturday before the team left for the Bundesliga game in Bielefeld. Apparently wanted to talk to the conscience of coach Julian Nagelsmann’s star-studded team and build them up again after the debacle in the Champions League.
Kahn asked the players not only to win against Ostwestfalen, but also to shoot the hosts out of their own stadium. Only a big victory is the appropriate reaction to the end of Europe.
With an own goal from Bielefeld’s Jacob Laursen and goals from Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala, Bayern won 3-0 at Arminia. And are now on the verge of the next championship title. But whether Oliver Kahn’s words really contributed to the victory against Bielefeld, who had been weak for weeks, remains to be seen.