Munich –
Bayern Munich immediately changed management after winning the Bundesliga title this season. Die Roten fired the CEO Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
The announcement was made on Bayern’s official website less than an hour after Jamal Musiala et al confirmed themselves as champions after a dramatic 2-1 win over Cologne in the last week. Both were present to watch the game in the stands.
Kahn has joined Bayern’s board of directors since January 1, 2020, but was only appointed CEO on July 1, 2021. Under his leadership, Bayern won two Bundesliga titles and two DFL Supercups. But that was not enough.
“The decision to part ways with Oliver Kahn was not easy for the club’s supervisory board. However, due to existing developments, we decided to make a change in management,” said the head of Bayern’s supervisory board, Herbert Hainer.
“We thank Oliver Kahn for his commitment, ideas and everything we achieved together. He has always been considered a big man at Bayern. Success is always with him in the future,” explained Hainer.
Kahn admitted that he was banned from participating in flyers celebrating the Bundesliga champions this season, making him look like an antagonist.
“My plan was to come to Cologne and celebrate the title with the team, but I was not allowed,” Kahn said, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Not only Kahn, Salihamidzic was also removed from the position he had held since 2023. This was because the club felt that they no longer shared the same vision as the man from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“Results achieved after the winter break and also differences of opinion about the future direction of the club led to us reaching an agreement with Hasan Salihamidzic to end his post early. This was a difficult decision for us,” said Hainer.
Unlike Kahn, Salihamidzic was still allowed to take to the field to celebrate the title. “I am proud to have been Bayern’s sporting director for six years. I thank all the players, coaches and all those behind the team and staff,” said Salihamidzic.
“It’s been a beautiful journey that I want to continue, but I respect the decision of the board. Bayern is above all and I wish the team and fans always unity and success,” he explained.
Bayern did succeed in winning the 11th Bundesliga title in a row, but behind that there were many ups and downs that occurred. They have to fight until the last week to ensure the title, even depending on the fate of other clubs.
A series of bad results after the winter break, when they only won five times out of 10 Bundesliga matches, made management sack Julian Nagelsmann. When the 35-year-old coach stepped down at the end of March, Bayern were still active in three competitions.
But when Bayern appointed Thomas Tuchel, they were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League in just a matter of weeks. Club officials now feel that it is not only the coach who needs to be replaced, but also the management.
Jan-Christian Dreesen will fill Kahn’s position, while Salihamidzic’s replacement is still being sought.
(adp/raw)
2023-05-27 20:00:44
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