Thomas Müller amused with his easy-going master promise, the Bayern bosses made the long-term debate about the management team sit up and take notice. While the head of the supervisory board, Herbert Hainer, avoided making a commitment to Oliver Kahn’s future, the combative CEO positioned himself clearly for the coming season. “Of course I’m still here,” said Kahn, laughing when asked if he would still be in charge for the new season.
After the 2-0 win against Hertha BSC and Borussia Dortmund’s blunder in the 1-1 draw in Bochum, which was hotly debated because of a missed penalty kick, Kahn was able to return to the top of the Bundesliga table
On the other hand, happy expressions were a rarity in the first half hour when the series champions struggled against the bottom of the league in the honorary stand. As in the best of times as a management duo, ex-boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and honorary president Uli Hoeneß sat next to each other – but the stars did not dominate as they did in the best of times.
Confused team
“In a phase like this, it’s not about winning the beauty prize, it’s about winning and taking the lead in the table – and we’ve done that,” Kahn defended the performance of the ensemble, which was unsettled after a number of setbacks. National player Leon Goretzka admitted that there was “extremely much noise” around the club.
Kahn’s view is “not for any discussions”, emphasized the former world-class goalkeeper, “but my focus is only on the German championship – and that’s what it’s about.” Hainer sounded similar, preferring to refer to the remaining title goal when asked about Kahn’s future. “We’re all concentrating on the sporting side,” said the President after the win with goals from Serge Gnabry (69th minute) and Kingsley Coman (79th). “The most important thing is what happens on the pitch and that we win the eleventh German championship.”
The supervisory board meeting on May 22, at which the work of Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic will be evaluated by the council around Hoeneß after the penultimate match day and before the presumed championship final, is at least as exciting as the Bundesliga title fight. “It remains super tight – maybe until the last minute of the last matchday,” said Kahn. Bremen away, Schalke and Leipzig at home and Cologne away again are the final tasks for Munich. Wolfsburg (H), Mönchengladbach (H), Augsburg (A) and Mainz (H) for BVB, who failed in Bochum.
BVB gift used
“At the end of the day, Dortmund gave us a gift that we had to use,” said Hainer. Only with the wrong decision by referee Sascha Stegemann did the president not want to secure the change in pole position in the league. “In the end, Dortmund had the chance to score the goals for 90 minutes – and it ended 1-1.” In the course of a season, wrong decisions would always balance out.
“That’s not my beer, we have enough to do with our team,” said Salihamidzic and already has his May scenario in mind. “I would like to be champions and see our boys on the balcony and I will do everything for that.” At the same time, personnel planning for the new season is being pushed ahead.
After Harry Kane (Tottenham) or Victor Osimhen (Naples), there is now speculation about Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) as a new signing for the storm center, which is also harmless against Hertha. “We will have talks, but we are now fully focused on the championship fight,” said the 46-year-old. After the end of the cup and Champions League, the shell has to come from the Mia-san-Mia understanding.
Tuchel calls for further steps
That is also Müller’s goal, who with his short statement while walking also avoided questions about the renewed role as a reservist. “Thomas is super important. But he has a bit of a back problem,” reported Tuchel. He needed the captain for the final phase of the game. Dealing with him is “not difficult at all”. Müller is “top-top-top-professional,” said Tuchel. “He’s super emotional and was dying to get in.”
The next opponents, however, will demand more from Munich than the harmless but heart-fighting Berliners of coach Pal Dardai did. “We have taken the step and still have to take four more steps,” said the finished Tuchel. After the sadness of four games without a win, the 49-year-old was at least able to catch his breath after turbulent weeks.
