Michael Olise’s viral interview following Bayern’s Champions League victory over Bodø/Glimt prompted questions about his relationship with the media and even his commercial value. Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany and Board Member for Sport Max Eberl, however, have made clear that they have absolutely no problem with their French superstar’s approach.
Olise scored twice and registered an assist during Bayern’s 5-0 victory over the Norwegian champions on September 10. After receiving another Man of the Match award, the France international was obliged to speak with DAZN. Asked about his spectacular goals, Olise offered little more than a shrug and a brief explanation that he simply shoots the ball and it either goes in or it doesn’t.
When his DAZN interviewer pressed him further about what made his performance so special, Olise laughed briefly before saying, “I’m not the only one who can score a goal.” His interviewer then doubled down, noting that this was a difficult conversation and asking Olise what made him happy. Olise doubled down himself, giving little away and eventually offering only a brief affirmative response.
The interview promptly went viral, attracting considerable attention on social media. At Bayern’s subsequent press conference ahead of their Bundesliga encounter with Elversberg, Eberl and Kompany were asked whether the player’s reluctance to speak publicly might eventually create difficulties for the club’s commercial partners.
Neither appeared particularly concerned.
Michael Olise continues to let his football do the talking
The discussion surrounding Olise’s personality is hardly new. Eberl recalled that the Frenchman had been similarly reluctant to speak during his introductory press conference following his arrival from Crystal Palace in 2024. The Bayern executive argued that the winger’s reserved demeanour was simply part of his personality and that younger football supporters appeared to appreciate his approach.
Eberl also pointed to Olise’s exceptional performances, noting that he had already collected three Man of the Match awards in Bayern’s opening five competitive fixtures. The Frenchman subsequently provided an emphatic demonstration of his considerable abilities during Bayern’s 7-0 Bundesliga victory over Union Berlin on September 18.
As GGFN documented in its account of Bayern’s emphatic victory, Olise scored a hat-trick, supplied an assist for Harry Kane and won the penalty from which the England captain registered his 100th Bundesliga goal. Olise’s performance earned him his fourth Man of the Match award in seven competitive appearances.
Kicker subsequently reported that Kane had praised his teammate’s humility, work ethic and relentless hunger for success. The England captain described Olise as a fantastic footballer who had managed to raise his level even further. Kane also maintained that the winger’s reserved public personality did not necessarily reflect his character behind the scenes.
The England captain revealed that Olise had addressed the Bayern dressing room after collecting his signed match ball. Unsurprisingly, when asked which of the evening’s goalscorers had delivered the shortest speech, Kane answered: “Michael, definitely.”
Kicker described Olise as “the Bundesliga’s best enigma”.
Eberl and Kompany defend Olise’s reserved personality
“He just wants to play football,” Eberl remarked when asked about Olise’s reluctance to participate in interviews. “You’ll recall that he was largely tight-lipped at his introductory press conference two years ago. It’s just simply not his way. Every person is different.”
“What’s interesting is that the media [landscape] is so large,” Eberl continued. “When one takes all of this social media into account, he’s celebrated because people say he’s simply a footballer who should play football and have fun.”
“The kids and the teenagers can identify with him a bit more than we can,” Eberl concluded. “The decisive reason Michael is with us is the way he plays football, and he does that exceptionally.”
Asked whether the player’s reserved personality might affect Bayern’s commercial relationships, Eberl remained equally unconcerned.
“I’d rather he keeps playing the way he’s playing,” the Bayern executive responded. “Three man-of-the-match awards in five matches is much more important to me [than whether he can sell soft drinks].”
Kompany then intervened with a humorous observation about the interview’s unexpected popularity.
“Can I say something?” the Bayern coach interjected. “The journalist that asked the question is displeased because the interview went viral. If he [Olise] answered every question the way I do, nothing would go viral.”
“There’s no sponsor or journalist who has a problem with Michael’s manner,” Kompany continued. “Everyone’s having their bit of fun with this, but we shouldn’t make a big deal out of it.”
Bayern teammates and management offer further praise
Olise’s subsequent performance against Union Berlin prompted another round of enthusiastic assessments from his teammates and Bayern’s management. Eberl went considerably further in his appraisal of the Frenchman after the Union victory, declaring that Olise unquestionably belonged among the best footballers in the world. Captain Manuel Neuer similarly praised the winger, explaining that it was a pleasure both to watch him perform and to share the pitch with him.
Jonathan Tah also expressed his admiration for Olise, while Kane drew particular attention to his teammate’s personality and commitment. The Englishman emphasised that the winger’s humility was matched by his exceptional work ethic and desire to continue improving. Kompany, meanwhile, reiterated that Olise’s importance to Bayern extended beyond his considerable footballing abilities.
“It’s not only about the footballer,” Kompany said following the Union victory. “It’s also who he is as a person. For me that’s more important. Michael is the total package. It’s always easier to work with players like him than some other types. He’s really staking his claim now. He’s been producing at this level for a good two-and-a-half years.”
