President Herbert Hainer is confident that FC Bayern will reach the Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal FC. The tz interview.
Munich – Bayern President Herbert Hainer is looking forward to FC Bayern's quarter-final second leg in the Champions League on Wednesday (9 p.m., DAZN). In the home arena and with the concentrated fan power behind them, the aim is to make it into the semi-finals against Arsenal FC. The
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interview.
Mr Hainer, after FC Bayern's 2-2 draw in London, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “Those who were said to be dead live longer!” What is the current state of the team before the second leg against Arsenal FC on Wednesday?
In London we saw once again what the team is capable of and that they can play at the top of Europe. Now we have a second leg on Wednesday in our Allianz Arena that everyone is looking forward to. Together with the fans, anything is possible. After the 0-1 defeat at Lazio in the round of 16, Eric Dier told how Thomas Müller motivated him that Lazio now has to survive in the Allianz Arena. We need this spirit, our fans will also be there. After the 2-0 win against 1. FC Köln, the fans in the stadium sang “European Cup” to get the team in the mood – we have to put everything together for the big goal: the semi-finals!
As is well known, the final takes place at Wembley. A good place for FC Bayern, who won the Henkelpott there in 2013. Do you think the team can pull off a really big hit?
Yes, given the form in the first leg against Arsenal, I have confidence in the team! We are FC Bayern. Of course, you always need the necessary bit of luck in the Champions League. But the fact that we are able to compete like this against the leaders of the Premier League – the strongest league in the world – shows what is possible when everyone gives their all.
In London everyone was talking about Leroy Sané's strong performance.
I went to him after the game and said: “Hey, player of the match!” He showed – what we all know – what he is capable of. Incredibly fast, strong at dribbling. The scene that led to the penalty: He ran across the pitch for what felt like 50 meters at full sprint with the ball and dribbled through four people. We always want to see him like that (smiles).
We all know what a great footballer Leroy Sané is.
Herbert Hainer
Like in the preliminary round.
For example. Leroy played at the highest level for weeks. We all know what a great footballer he is.
How great is the satisfaction that FC Bayern is back among the top eight teams in Europe?
Satisfaction is the wrong word. When things aren't going ideally at FC Bayern, the public often gets the feeling that we're in a big crisis. We had too many bad games in the Bundesliga, there's no question about that. But if you look at the quality of the individual players, we have a top team. We just have to make sure we bring this quality back to the pitch more regularly.
After the bankruptcy in Heidenheim, the coaching debate about Thomas Tuchel and an early departure came up again. Sports director Max Eberl is annoyed by the discussions. You too?
We made it clear what our plan was: that the coach would be there until the end of the season. This gives us enough time to look for a successor. But after every game that doesn't go well, the question is asked again: Is the coach still there? What would happen if you lost to Arsenal? Until the end of the season, the team, together with Thomas Tuchel, should give everything to get as far as possible in the Champions League. And if there is a decision on the coaching question, the club will comment on it.
Were you disappointed that things didn't work out with Xabi Alonso and FC Bayern?
Xabi Alonso would look good at any club in the world. But I wasn't disappointed because he never said he was leaving Leverkusen. Now it is claimed: Xabi Alonso has canceled FC Bayern. He had simply announced that he was fulfilling his contract in Leverkusen.
Is FC Bayern willing to pay a transfer fee for a new coach again - should this be necessary?
We need a coach for FC Bayern who suits us. Who wants to go along with and fulfill the high standards we have for ourselves. That's the crucial thing.
Interview: Manuel Bonke