Kahn ends Bayern chapter: "There were plenty of difficulties" | OneFootball

Oliver Kahn has definitively drawn a line under his time at FC Bayern. The former CEO of the record champions spoke to Sky about his era in Munich and also responded to recent criticism from honorary president Uli Hoeneß.

“For me, that time is over. That’s the past. I’ve closed that door for myself and am now focusing on other things,” the 56-year-old explained. Between January 2020 and June 2021, Kahn was initially a board member before taking over as CEO in July 2021. At the end of May 2023, after the eleventh consecutive German championship, the separation took place—together with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Looking back, Kahn said: “I am at peace with myself regarding that time. There were many difficulties, but I’m looking ahead and there are many exciting topics.”

Turbulence Surrounding Kahn’s Dismissal

Photo: IMAGO

The separation from the former world-class goalkeeper was accompanied by a great deal of media commotion at the time. Quite a few fans criticized the manner of his dismissal, especially since Kahn was even denied entry to the stadium on the final Bundesliga matchday.

Recently, Uli Hoeneß stated in an interview that appointing Kahn as CEO had been a “big mistake.” Kahn reacted calmly: “I don’t know what you’re always expecting. I had a wonderful time at FC Bayern. I’m not at all motivated to constantly comment on statements from those in charge. This topic is done for me. I’m a fan of letting people do their jobs.”

A Warning to German Football

Instead of discussing his time at Bayern, Kahn is looking ahead—and issued a warning regarding the development of the Bundesliga: “The Bundesliga must not continue to become a training league for the Premier League.”

He was specifically referring to the transfers of Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade. Wirtz moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool FC in the summer for 125 million euros. Woltemade, who was also a topic at Säbener Straße this summer, went from VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United for 90 million euros after the season started.

FC Bayern was very interested in both players but came away empty-handed. While Wirtz chose to move to the Premier League, Bayern was not willing to pay the transfer fee demanded by the VfB bosses for Woltemade.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.