Munich – Hansi Flick put the headphones in his ear, took another sip of water – then FC Bayern’s first video chat press conference began.
On the day of Thomas Muller’s early contract extension and a few days after his own new long-term contract, Flick, who was promoted to a permanent solution at the head coach position, flirted with the next pioneering personnel decisions at Captain Manuel Neuer & Co.
“All those who are currently in contract negotiations have had tremendous developments in the past six months and have been our top performers,” said the 55-year-old. «Of course, the club also knows what they have in these players. I hope that goes in the right direction. »
Hours earlier, the flicked Muller had smiled when he held up his jersey with the safety distance to the bosses necessary in the coronavirus crisis. The contract, which runs until 2021, was prematurely extended until June 30, 2023. «The club and I have been on the upswing in recent months. This feeling naturally contributed to the fact that you sign with an absolutely good feeling, »explained the 30-year-old Muller.
Bayern board member Oliver Kahn praised Muller as an “identification figure” with a global reputation. Attributes that also apply to new ones. While all sides emphasized how easy the negotiations with Paradebayer Muller were, it seems to be more difficult for Neuer and the club. “Not only me, but everyone would be happy if it extended,” Flick campaigned.
The record champion and his star goalkeeper in what was probably his last big contract should be clearly apart in terms of the duration. In the more mature professional age, shorter terms are common at Bayern. At Neuer, there is also the fact that Alexander Nubel, who has been committed for five years, will come from FC Schalke in the summer.
The captain’s contracts as well as those of Jerome Boateng (31), David Alaba (27), Javi Martínez (31), Thiago (28) and Sven Ulreich (31) will expire like the old Muller contract next summer. CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently emphasized that the previous offers were “without a Corona discount”. Without, of course, revealing who was offered one.
Flick spoke to some reporters on Tuesday about Neuer, Alaba and Thiago, with whom he would like an early agreement. Joachim Low’s long-time assistant was also satisfied with the development of ex-national player Boateng, against whom the club recently imposed a fine for violating the Corona requirements. “He has to decide where to go,” said Flick.
The club also has to decide – and here, according to Boss Rummenigge, Flick has a “say” in the team planning. The fact that he should (also) shape the future of FC Bayern is also documented by the long-term contract until 2023. Logically, his word applies even more to the team of supervisors and assistant coaches, with the name Miroslav Klose repeatedly appearing as a potential new addition fell.
The 41-year-old Klose is bound until the end of the season as the coach of the Munich U17s. In the summer, the world championship record scorer then starts the soccer teacher training course. «Of course it is clear that I spoke to Miro. But I’ll talk to one or the other, ”said Flick. “I think it would be an asset to our coaching team,” said Flick.
That would apply to Leroy Sane (Manchester City) and Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), two possible newcomers. However, Flick was not tempted to make a statement about his preference. The assessment that he could imagine FC Bayern “with two tips” certainly does not speak against Werner.
Flick reported in his first press conference in a month and the beginning of the corona crisis-related break from the units of his star selection in small groups. With all their commitment to training via video switching, everyone was “very happy” that “they were on the court for two days and worked with the ball again.” Nobody knows exactly when it will be possible to train properly and then play. But FC Bayern will be prepared, said Flick. “Whether in the beginning, middle or end of May or beginning of June: we are ready when it starts.”
