Hoeness hands over the reins
– Having transformed Bayern Munich into one of Europe’s strongest clubs, then been jailed for tax evasion, Uli Hoeness (right) will bring the curtain down on a glorious 40year reign at the German giants when he steps down as club president today.
Hoeness will officially stand down at today’s annual general meeting having nominated Herbert Hainer, a former CEO of sportswear firm Adidas, to succeed him, but he will stay on the club’s supervisory board for at least four more years.
Since the 67-year-old joined club management after retiring as a threetime European Cup-winning player four decades ago, Bayern have dominated the Bundesliga and been crowned kings of Europe two more times.
“I think that someone like Uli Hoeness will never stop, he’s got a Bayern heart, so he will always stay connected to us,” said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.
He hands the reins to Hainer with Bayern Munich in rude health, generating €750 million in turnover and reported profits of €52 million.
The club has a vast army of 300 000 members and over 1 000 employees, while their Allianz Arena stadium has been paid off.
It is a far cry from his first day as club manager on May 1st 1979, following a career-ending knee injury, with Bayern carrying debts of around €3.5 million in today’s currency.
After two hours at his desk, Hoeness says he “went home, because there was no work”, but his relentless drive and recruitment of top players in the coming years has yielded 24 German league and 14 German Cup titles.
“Bayern is unimaginable without you,” Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer, who Hoeness replaced as club president in 2009, wrote in a tribute,
“The club would not be what it is today.”
However, the fire still burns in Hoeness’ belly, as proven last Sunday morning when he rang a talk show on German television to berate pundits criticising Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
Bayern are seeking a new coach since Niko Kovac was relieved of his duties a fortnight ago and Hoeness will no doubt have a say in who replaces interim coach Hansi Flick.
Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel – both of whom have said they will not leave their respective clubs this season – and ex-Bayern coach Pep Guardiola are reportedly on the shortlist.
Hoeness, the son of a butcher, transformed Bayern into a global brand as a businessman. – AFP