Bayern’s caretaker
By: Angela | April 30th, 2009After the loss to Schalke, Jurgen Klinsmann is no longer employed at the Allianz Arena and has been sent off. Permanently. He has been sacked and the caretakers of the team, until the end of the season, have been appointed. Jupp Heynckes took the reigns and Hamit Altintop and Captain Dutch, Mark van Bommel were probably especially pleased. You may or may not be aware that Hamit came into the Bundesliga in 2003 at Schalke, instantly claiming a starting spot. Who was in charge then? Heynckes.
In 2004, van Bommel was Captain at PSV Eindhoven. However, Heynckes had tried to lure van Bommel over to Schalke then. The only reason he didn’t go; the deal fell through because of a transfer fee.
“He says exactly what he wants and doesn’t want. He puts things right and gees you up, he’s always clear in what he says. We like that,” said Van Bommel. Courtesy of his vast experience and “wonderful career” as a player and coach, Heynckes was a man “who knows how it works. You see it in the details. You sense his wealth of experience. We’re delighted to be working with Mr Heynckes,” the 32-year-old continued, describing the mood in the dressing room as “outstanding”.
Altintop agreed with his captain. “He expects the simple things like discipline and commitment.” The man who coached Real Madrid to Champions League glory in 1998 “has seen and done it all, so he really understands the situation we’re in.” And that, Hamit conceded, was precarious: “I think all the players have realised time’s almost up.”
So the Klinsmann era has come to an end with five games to go. The team seems very positive about their new caretaker and a bit of faith has been restored at the Allianz Arena. The question remains, is it enough time?
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Nothing crystallizes what is wrong with this team better than a quote by Altintop in the same interview. I’ll have to go back and read the German, to see if anything was lost in translation, but the English translation was: “I honestly don’t care whether we finish first or second right now”. Losers rarely do care.
Posted from
United States
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Well, the team was very positive when Hitzfeld came back as well, but the results remained the same. Like Luke mentioned, it’s about how much the players care anymore.
What will also be interesting to see is what the players say about Klinsmann during the offseason, and later when the new manager is announced. I don’t mean that as a diss, and I don’t care about gossip, just that people will really let their feelings known a little later, and that it will be interesting to read critically.
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United States -
I agree, Luke. That’s a lot of what is bothering me about the Bundesliga right now – Magath over at Wolfsburg still claims they’re just aiming to finish at least fifth. Does any team actually WANT to win the league this year?? It sure doesn’t seem like anyone is aiming for the top spot – just a European spot.
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United States -
A Kap: I agree with you on what the players say later. We’ll have to wait and see how it all shakes out.
Luke: I read that too. And I agree that it’s up to the players, but a coach can make a big difference in a player’s attitude.
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United States -
Jamie: In Magath’s case, I think that’s a little reverse psychology. It both benefits his team for others to think of them as the same old Wolfsburg of the past, and motivates them by making them think they haven’t yet done enough yet to seal a title. Some of Magath’s quotes are almost word for word the stuff that Armin Veh was saying at this time two years ago, with the same motivation I’d say.
Posted from
United States -
I think A Kap has hit the nail on the head with regard to Hitzfelds second stint at the club. I hope Heynckes has better luck than Hitzfeld? Their’s been alot of talk by the players, and they can no longer blame Klinsmann if they fail to win a Champions League berth next season! It’s now all up to them by demonstrating deeds on the pitch! Personally I think it has got to the point where a few players need to be moved on in order for the club to move forward!
On a different note after watching the first leg of the UEFA Cup Semi Final between Hamburg and Werder Breman, I can’t wait to see Ivica Olic at Bayern next season, he’s quick and will give our attack an extra dimension. But I’m still of the opinion we need to get a new right back, a new central defender, and a fourth quality striker. With regard to a goalkeeper, I would prefer to use a wait and see approach! Maybe give Rensing six more months to prove himself under a new coach? I think next season will be Ribery’s last in Bayern colours, and then we should offload him for a hefty price! Just my thoughts!
Posted from
Australia
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