Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions after their 2-1 victory away at FC Köln while Borussia Dortmund were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Mainz. However, this did not prevent Die Rekordmeister from acting swiftly, as they dismissed both CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić.
However, while Oliver Kahn was informed to leave the stadium, the former sporting director was given the green light to celebrate with the fans and the squad after the game. Applause for Salihamidžić could even be heard in the Bayern Munich dressing room.
After speaking to the media Salihamidžić would pay homage to his side: “I am proud of the troops, the boys did an excellent job. Today you have seen the true character of the team.”
However, even Salihamidžić was not prepared for an 11th straight league title: “I was actually prepared to congratulate the Dortmunders,” before adding: “I am sorry, but our boys deserve it because they performed so well in the early round of the season… scoring lots of goals and playing good offensive football.”
This could have been seen as a secret message to former Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but what was to follow was certainly not secret: “We were all sad when he had to leave. I also congratulate him today. The separation was very hard for me. Julian was there for three-quarters of the season, so he is cordially invited to the party, he deserves it.”
Salihamidžić would then once again emphasise the quality within the squad: “I would have liked to continue because I wanted to win the Champions League again with this team. This team is really good.”
However, he would end with a sombre message to the club: “FC Bayern is above everything. I have had good conversations with Uli Hoeneß and Herbert Hainer. I would like to remain friends with FC Bayern. We had many difficult situations, but also many good ones. Thank you for the last six years.”
It has been a tumultuous season for Bayern Munich and Hasan Salihamidžić, but it seems as though the relations between the pair are still in a positive position. Now for Bayern, it is about finding the appropriate successor.
GGFN | Will Shopland
