FC Bayern before a paradigm shift
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge talks about Oliver Kahn
May 31, 2023, 6:30 p.m
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has a clear plan: Jan-Christian Dreesen is exactly the right person to get the “big ship Bayern Munich” fit again and on course. Rummenigge also made clear statements about Thomas Tuchel. And then there is also Oliver Kahn.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is convinced that Jan-Christian Dreesen will become a successful CEO at Bayern Munich as the successor to Oliver Kahn. “I think Jan-Christian is one hundred percent qualified. And I also think he’s absolutely the right man to get the big ship Bayern Munich back on course,” said former CEO Rummenigge in an interview with the German Press Agency. The 55-year-old Dreesen had successfully led the record champions as CFO through the Corona crisis, among other things.
Rummenigge “didn’t say anything negative” about Kahn, who had replaced him as CEO two years ago and now had to leave prematurely. He has felt “great gratitude” towards the former international goalkeeper since 2001. Back then, Kahn saved three penalties in a shoot-out and was the decisive player in FC Bayern’s first Champions League triumph in the final against FC Valencia. “We wouldn’t have won without Oliver Kahn. That’s why we’re all grateful to him and always will be.”
Dreesen is now at the top of the club “for a paradigm shift,” said Rummenigge: “The club has been managed or led by former players for decades, Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeneß, myself. Jan-Christian is originally a financial expert, was previously on the bank board.”
Tuchel like Heynckes, van Gaal or Guardiola
Rummenigge is also convinced that Thomas Tuchel can shape a successful era as a coach despite the difficult start-up phase in Munich. “During my tenure I was very fortunate to have experienced many great coaches such as Louis van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes, Hansi Flick, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. I am convinced that Thomas Tuchel will be a very successful coach at Bayern Munich.” , said the 67-year-old, who was appointed to the supervisory board at yesterday’s general meeting of FC Bayern München AG.
“There’s no question that he didn’t have an easy start. But it was also made more difficult for him by the unrest that Julian Nagelsmann’s change of trainer brought to him. This has been the subject of controversial public debate. And that’s also causing unrest given to the team,” said Rummenigge. He wanted to bring Tuchel to Munich as a coach a few years ago when he was CEO.
The 49-year-old Tuchel replaced Nagelsmann in March. After that, Bayern were eliminated from the DFB Cup and the Champions League in the quarter-finals. Last weekend they won their eleventh championship title in a row in a heart-stopping Bundesliga final.
With Tuchel, the transfer planning is now being pushed ahead. According to the club management, Rummenigge should contribute his great football expertise and his international network. First of all, they will “get an overview,” he announced: “There had already been initial transfer plans and talks. We will sit down with Thomas Tuchel to get everyone on the same page.”