Rummenigge backs Hoeneß: "We need to support him" | OneFootball

In hardly any other club in Europe does a single personality shape public discussion as much as at FC Bayern. Especially Uli Hoeneß remains a central figure even after his withdrawal from day-to-day business. Now Karl-Heinz Rummenigge speaks out again – and impressively backs his long-time companion.

In an interview with tz, the 69-year-old spoke extensively about the role of the honorary president. Rummenigge made it clear how much he values Hoeneß: "I understand him and know him on all levels: as a teammate, as a manager, as a president, as chairman of the supervisory board. We often argued. But he wants only one thing: a successful FC Bayern, with solid, serious finances, that brings joy. We must support him in this. He has earned it with his life's work."

Despite his withdrawal, Hoeneß continues to shape events on Säbener Straße. Officially, he is a member of the supervisory board, but in practice, he acts more actively than his position would suggest.

Hoeneß remains a defining figure at FC Bayern

Photo: IMAGO

The honorary president repeatedly sparks discussions with public statements, most recently with critical remarks towards sports director Max Eberl. For Rummenigge, this clarity is inseparable from Hoeneß: "Uli is different from what many people in public think, and he is extremely helpful. He does not shy away from the public, so to speak. But he is sometimes unfairly criticized. Each of his statements is dissected to polarize and create controversy. I have never met anyone who has done more for FC Bayern than Uli."

Rummenigge also looked back on the successful collaboration of earlier years. Together with Franz Beckenbauer, Karl Hopfner, and Uli Hoeneß, they always acted in the club's best interest: "This team was unique, a real unit. Even if we had different interests, we discussed until a decision was made. Never, really never, did anyone stand up afterward and say: 'I told you so.'"

Praise also for Hainer and Dreesen

Photo: IMAGO

Furthermore, Rummenigge emphasized how important stability has always been for the record champion. "For me, it was always crucial that FC Bayern remains stable. In the last 20 years, we have overcome every crisis together – and in doing so, you get to know the people you can really rely on: Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeneß, Karl Hopfner, and later Herbert Hainer and Jan-Christian Dreesen. They are all loyal and were there when it mattered, always with the club's well-being in mind."

Rummenigge had already emphasized that the club benefits from the voice of its honorary president. "FC Bayern does not need less Uli Hoeneß, it needs more Uli Hoeneß," he made clear.

While some observers call for a stronger involvement of Hoeneß in the operational business and others see his presence as a blockade for fresh ideas, one thing remains undisputed: Uli Hoeneß is still a key figure in Munich – and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

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