The decision to sack Kahn, along with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, was made by current Bayern president Herbert Heiner just one day before the final game of the Bundesliga season.
Hoeness revealed the details of his difficult conversation with Kahn
Uli Hoeness, the former president of Bayern Munich and a club legend, has expressed his belief that it was a mistake to hire Oliver Kahn as the CEO following his recent dismissal. The decision to sack Kahn, along with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, was made by current Bayern president Herbert Heiner just one day before the final game of the Bundesliga season. Hoeness, who supported the decision as a board member and Heiner’s predecessor, revealed the details of his difficult conversation with Kahn.
Speaking to the German media outlet Kicker, Hoeness described the conversation with Kahn as unpleasant. When asked if it was a mistake to appoint the former goalkeeper as CEO, Hoeness admitted that in retrospect, it was. Hoeness acknowledged Kahn’s intelligence and enjoyable personality but expressed disappointment that Kahn had relied heavily on his advisors instead of taking the lead himself. Despite this, Hoeness emphasized his respect for Kahn as a person and his willingness to keep the door open for him. Hoeness emphasized the need for calm and stability in the club, rather than the recent chaotic atmosphere.
Thomas Tuchel has called for more long-term planning and composure at the club
The dismissal of Kahn and Salihamidzic took place just before Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title in a thrilling fashion, snatching it away from their rivals Borussia Dortmund. However, the triumph on the pitch has been overshadowed by the off-field turmoil caused by the duo’s departures. Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel has called for more long-term planning and composure at the club, highlighting the need for stability and a clear vision. Despite Tuchel’s recent appointment to replace Julian Nagelsmann, there have been speculations about his own future as the manager, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club.
The comments from Hoeness shed light on the challenges faced by Kahn during his tenure as CEO. As a former player, Kahn had achieved great success on the field and was highly respected. However, it appears that he struggled to transition into a leadership role and may have relied too heavily on his advisors. Hoeness’s disappointment stems from the expectation that Kahn, with his strong personality, would be able to handle the position independently. The situation serves as a reminder that the qualities that make a successful player do not always translate seamlessly into a management position.
The recent events at Bayern Munich have ignited discussions about the club’s future and the direction it should take. The need for stability and a clear plan has become evident, with Tuchel emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking. The club’s management will have to carefully navigate through these challenges to ensure that Bayern Munich continues to be a powerhouse both on and off the pitch. As for Oliver Kahn, while his tenure as CEO may not have met expectations, his contributions as a player and his respected status within the club ensure that he will always be welcomed back with open arms.