Germany legend, Franz Beckenbauer has lauded Bayern Munich manager, Hansi Flick for reinvigorating the team that almost lost on title fronts last season.
Flick took over a Bayern team that was struggling domestically to gather result from a sacked Niko Kovac. The Croatian has taken over at the French Ligue 1 club, AS Monaco.
Speaking in a recent interview with Bayern magazine, 51, Beckenbauer said the future of the European champions is bright with Flick in charge.
Beckenbauer, who will be turning 75 later this week also lauded the input of Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic, Herbert Hainer, and the rest of Bayern’s hierarchy.
Der Kaiser, as he is fondly called in Germany is not strange to the Bavarians, having seen the team go through several rough patches. But the legend is lauding the level of commitment of the present crop of players it currently has. He also highlighted that all the players have looked completely rejuvenated under Flick. This he said, comes down to the attitude he’s able to instil in each individual in the squad.
“Hansi Flick has reinvigorated the team again. Before that, it felt like some players weren’t really up for it. It’s one of his biggest achievements to get everybody going again and just convey joy. I really enjoy this football. Hansi has a very human side and he knows exactly how to speak to all the World Cup winners and serial champions. He’s accepted by the players and that’s reflected on the pitch. The treble didn’t come from anywhere.”
What Hansi Flick has done is remarkable – Franz Beckenbauer
Flick took charge of the club when Bayern was seven points off the top of the Bundesliga table. It was looking like the season that Die Roten will finally be dethroned in Germany. But Flick led a remarkable turnaround during the extended break in action due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The tactician has so far accumulated an overall record of 31 wins, 2 losses and 0 draws across all competitions to secure another historic treble.
Beckenbauer further stated that winning their eight consecutive Bundesliga title doesn’t come without the right hunger, desire, and mentality:
“It used to be said that you’d have to rebuild the team after two or three title wins because they wouldn’t be able to give their all again. Players today are more rigorous. Being champions eight times in succession is really high art, a sign of outstanding mentality and outstanding desire. I can only salute them. Brilliant. And I don’t get the impression these boys have had enough. The treble is definitely an incentive.”
Changes in Bayern Munich’s hierarchy
Meanwhile, there have been some changes in Bayern’s front office. This is believed to be a transition period. Hainer is now the club’s president after Uli Hoeness stepped down, Kahn, another world cup winner is the incoming CEO who will take over from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge while Salihamidzic, the sports director has now assumed a spot on the club’s executive board.
Beckenbauer feels that the future of the club looks bright under this leadership:
“Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidžić are working very successfully with Herbert Hainer. They’ve shown they’re capable of following in the big footsteps of Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“I absolutely believe they will continue to follow the same path that Uli and Kalle have laid out, in the same style, with the same commitment and the same joy. I’ve no doubt about that. There could hardly have been a better start.”
