“No big deal”: Why Boateng is allowed to observe at FC Bayern | OneFootball

The potential return of Jérôme Boateng to Säbener Straße is sparking heated debate. While many FC Bayern fans no longer want to see the former central defender at the club after his scandals, head coach Vincent Kompany is standing protectively by his former teammate—citing loyalty and principles.

The issue became visible again during Bayern’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening. In the second half, the ultras in the Südkurve unfurled several protest banners—with unmistakable messages against Boateng: “Whoever gives space to the perpetrator shares the blame—Boateng, piss off!” could be read on them.

Similar protests had already prevented a possible return of Boateng as a player in 2023. This time, however, the club leadership is reacting differently: instead of bowing to the pressure, those responsible are backing Kompany’s decision to allow the 37-year-old a short internship.

Eberl: “Not a big issue—no employment”

Photo: IMAGO/Giuseppe Maffia

Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl tried to calm the waters: “The issue has suddenly become very big out of nowhere. It’s not about employment, not about a permanent position at FC Bayern. It’s simply about watching some training sessions,” he explained to SPORT1.

Eberl emphasized that, in principle, they have nothing against former players gaining insight into training operations as part of their coaching education: “We would approve of that. We say: That’s not a problem.”

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen also defended Boateng, calling it a “complicated case.” “Everyone is entitled to resocialization,” he said, recommending that the verdict against the former world champion be viewed in its entirety.

For reference: In July 2024, Boateng was convicted of intentional simple bodily harm against his ex-girlfriend, but is not considered to have a criminal record legally. The judge made it clear at the time that nothing remained of the accusation of being a “notorious woman-beater.” The verdict: a warning with a suspended sentence and a fine of 200,000 euros.

Boateng himself emphasized in the spring: “I feel innocent in terms of criminal law, and I am, because I never hit her.” At the same time, he admitted to “many personal mistakes.”

Kompany cites loyalty

But why is Vincent Kompany insisting on the internship at all? The coach knows Boateng from their time together at Hamburger SV and Manchester City. According to SPORT1 information, the Belgian feels bound by a kind of code of honor—you do not refuse such a request from a former teammate who is pursuing a coaching career.

Kompany himself said matter-of-factly after the BVB match: “If someone is allowed to watch three or four sessions, to educate himself a bit—it’s not a big issue. Every year we have 20 people watching training.”

With this, the Bayern coach is trying to de-emotionalize the discussion. For him, the professional perspective is paramount, not the intern’s past.

Fans plan further protest

Whether the club leadership’s arguments will be enough to appease the angry fans is questionable. In the Südkurve, Boateng is still considered an unwanted person. Observers expect the issue to come up again at the annual general meeting in early November—with plenty of potential for conflict.

Once before, in autumn 2023, the fan base became vocal when Boateng briefly participated in a trial training. Now, the next chapter of a recurring issue that occupies the club even off the pitch threatens to unfold.

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