One sentence has been heard at Bayern over the past few weeks when players have been asked about contract extensions: “No one has approached me yet.”
► Thomas Müller (32) said it a few weeks ago in the SPORT BILD interview when it came to his future. The long-running hit’s contract expires in 2023, but an extension has not yet been discussed. Müller: “You have to see what the future will bring.”
► A few days ago, Robert Lewandowski (33/contract until 2023) caused a stir with a similar statement. When Sky moderator Patrick Wasserziehr (55) told him in front of the camera that sports director Hasan Salihamidzic (45) had said in advance that the club really wanted to keep him, Lewy replied in surprise: “I’m hearing that for the first time!”
► Even with Niklas Süle (26), those responsible sought the conversation late. The central defender saw this as a lack of appreciation, among other things, and decided to switch to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Is this normal poker or does Bayern have a serious communication problem?
In the case of Lewandowski, the bosses had decided internally to decide with the attacker about his future in the spring. So far this has not happened. The player side does not know anything about this plan either, there is no date for the first talks.
According to BILD information, some employees also miss the clear announcements of ex-bosses Rummenigge or Hoeneß.
Kahn and Salihamidzic sometimes acted hesitantly, and not just in terms of squad planning. Also because they lack the experience.
Basically, one of Salihamidzic’s main tasks is to maintain communication with players and their agents. Kahn acts more in the background.
Photo: Dennis Brosda
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/hasan-salihamidi-l–und-oliver-kahn-schau-gemeinsam-beim-bayern-training-zu-19c80ef8d7064796abe2c72e4d7fcdc7-79320744/Bild /2.image.jpg”/> Hasan Salihamidžić (left) and Oliver Kahn watch Bayern training togetherPhoto: Dennis Brosda
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a secret meeting between Kahn and star advisor Mino Raiola (also manages Erling Haaland) recently took place in Monaco. One topic was probably Ajax talent Ryan Gravenberch (19), who should strengthen Munich in the summer. However, the negotiations are not said to have progressed very far.
The balancing act that the bosses have to manage: on the one hand, make decisions in good time and avoid unrest in the team. On the other hand, you want to keep options open to be able to react to the market and not fritter away your budget.
It is also clear that stars like Lewandowski and Müller are also negotiating professionals. The fact that they are now increasing the pressure on Bayern is part of the poker game.
