Freund hits back at criticism: "Bayern haven’t lost their pulling power" | OneFootball

Hardly any club generates as many headlines as FC Bayern – and for sports director Christoph Freund, this is no coincidence, but a sign of greatness. In the show Sport und Talk from Hangar-7 on Servus TV, the Austrian defended the public perception of the record champion – and responded with clear words to the recent discussions.

“There is always a lot going on around FC Bayern. So much is written, so many rumors. The club is just so big and interesting,” said Freund, adding: “If a transfer somehow doesn’t work out, it’s naturally a huge topic.”

The statements can also be understood as a reply to the criticism that the club has recently been accused of losing its appeal. Freund wants nothing to do with that: “The club has not lost any of its charisma. When something is reported – whether positive or negative – it’s always about FC Bayern Munich. It’s a brand, and a huge one at that.”

Freund on squad quality: “We don’t have to do much”

Despite some heated transfer debates, the sports director is convinced of the current team. With the imminent return of several injured key players, Freund sees the squad as well-positioned: “We have always said that we don’t have to do much with our squad. When our injured players return, we have a really good team.”

The words are aimed at players like Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito, who are currently working on their comebacks. Especially in the offense, coach Vincent Kompany has already established a functioning system with stars like Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise.

For Freund, it is clear: Despite the enormous expectations, FC Bayern wants to act calmly and with foresight in the transfer market in the future – and not make panic buys.

Dreesen counters doubts about Bayern’s financial strength

Photo: IMAGO

In addition to the sporting component, the financial strength of the record champion has also been in focus recently. After some failed deals – such as with Florian Wirtz or Nick Woltemade – there was public speculation about whether FC Bayern could still compete internationally with the very big clubs.

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen already contradicted this assumption at the beginning of October in an interview with Welt am Sonntag: “We can afford any transfer we want to make. We have an excellent capital ratio, FC Bayern is doing very well.”

The 58-year-old did admit that there are structural differences compared to financially stronger leagues – especially in terms of TV revenues – but at the same time emphasized that the club is economically stable and will remain independent in the long term.

Bayern remains confident – both sportingly and economically

The statements from Freund and Dreesen make it clear: FC Bayern is not unsettled by public criticism. Despite missed transfers, they see themselves in a top position both sportingly and economically at Säbener Straße.

While other clubs operate with investor models, the German record champion continues to rely on a sustainable foundation – and on its incomparable charisma.

“FC Bayern remains a brand – and a huge one,” Freund summarized his view. A clear message: The club is and remains the benchmark in German football – on the field and beyond.

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