After the win against Lazio, Bayern President Herbert Hainer made it clear in an interview with t-online. He also speaks out in the debate about coach Thomas Tuchel.
Herbert Hainer was clearly relieved by FC Bayern’s 3-0 win against Lazio Rome in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Bayern president strolled through the mixed zone in the catacombs of the Allianz Arena in a clearly good mood.
No wonder, after all, he had just come out of the crew cabin and his next destination was the bosses’ victory party a few floors above. On the way he stopped again and took time to talk to t-online. He analyzed the strong performance after the disappointing last few weeks, talked about the reasons for the home success – and made a strong statement in the coaching debate about Thomas Tuchel.
t-online: Mr. Hainer, after losing 1-0 in the first leg, FC Bayern had their backs against the wall in the second leg against Lazio. What is the significance of this victory?
Herbert Hainer: The victory was of course very important and a relief for all of us because we are now in the next round. We know that with the victory there is now peace in the club. That’s good for all of us and that’s why we’re happy.
Was it also a victory for Thomas Tuchel?
Naturally. Thomas knows full well that he will give everything for FC Bayern Munich until the end of the season. The team knows that too, and they showed it today. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was an absolutely deserved and convincing victory. The team knows that it also plays for the coach and the coach plays for the team.
Do you have the feeling that a bit of euphoria and something positive could arise from this, that maybe you can still achieve something in the Champions League this season and go far?
That was also our idea, that we should create clarity and not have a coaching discussion every week. Instead, they say: Thomas is the coach until the end of the season. Now the team no longer has an alibi; it is their responsibility to show what they are capable of. Thomas can decide what he believes is right for the success of the club and the team. And that means everyone has the freedom to do what is best for the club.
Before the second leg against Lazio, there was another coaching discussion, at least externally. It was said that in the event of a defeat, Tuchel could no longer be held. After today’s win, would you say that Tuchel will definitely remain coach until the end of the season?
Of course, we always said that. Thomas is an excellent trainer. And we don’t make it dependent on a game. And as I said: The team and he have now shown what they are capable of.
In your opinion, what was better today? Once again we kept a clean sheet and the defense was good. Was that the important thing?
(laughs) Yes, you have already specified the analysis. I think we played from a secure defense. Lazio hardly had any chances to score. We were very, very compact at the back and there was also security going forward. Then we were lucky enough to score two goals before halftime and go into the break 2-0. This of course provides security. That meant we were through and controlled the game in the second half.