Looking at the table, the world of FC Bayern was in order again for Oliver Kahn after the clearly demonstrated claim to leadership in the top Bundesliga game against Union Berlin. After the 3-0 win on Sunday evening, the CEO spoke of an “important moment” in this football season. “Dortmund was in first place for 24 hours. And it’s important that we stay in first place – for everyone,” said Kahn.

The former Bayern captain has long suspected that the path to the eleventh championship title in a row will be rocky for the Munich series champion. “In all likelihood, it won’t be a season like it has always been in recent years, when we were a certain distance away and in the end we became German champions relatively clearly. It’s closer this year,” said Kahn.

Kahn on BVB: “You’re in a good mood, we’ve been warned”

And the 53-year-old considers Dortmund, who rushed from victory to victory in 2023 and are now tied on points, to be the most dangerous of the numerous Bayern hunters. “There’s a lot to be said for it at the moment,” Kahn replied when asked if BVB was the main rival. “They’ve won every game. They’re in good spirits, we’ve been warned.”

The appearance against Union was also a sign of Bayern, who have been so vulnerable in the league this year. “We showed how we can play, that was a signal to ourselves. That’s more important to me than a signal to the league,” said Thomas Müller, who scored two of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s three goals, Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala had prepared. “We have shown that we are there when we need to be there.”

Nagelsmann: “Show what we expect of ourselves”

Julian Nagelsmann left the Allianz Arena as a happy coach a week after his severe scolding after the defeat in Mönchengladbach. “We wanted to show what we demand of ourselves,” said the 35-year-old. That succeeded. “That’s exactly how we have to play, this dominance, this presence, this tackle strength, this mentality is what we want,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Apparently, a team evening before the top game had had a positive effect. “Moments like this are important, so that you can express your opinion within the team and clear things up,” said former Germany goalkeeper Kahn. “These are small but important moments, which in the end can always be a piece of the mosaic for success.”