Rummenigge: Respect players and have different life ideas, Mueller may be able to solve Bayern s current problems in the future

Former Bayern board chairman Rummenigge recently celebrated his 70th birthday. On his birthday, he was interviewed by German media Sports1, and talked about his ideas and experience as management, suggestions for the 2014 World Cup champions, and Mueller's return to Bayern.

SPORT1: In 2002, Bayern Munich's professional football business was split into a joint-stock company, and you became the chairman of the board of directors. In daily operations, you were the most important and powerful person on Sebena Street. Did that come true at that time?

Rumenig: "I had been the vice-chairman for ten years, and under the wings of Beckenbauer and Heness, I was able to prepare for it, which helped me a lot, and I am very grateful for it. We had to split the professional football business into a joint-stock company to raise funds for the construction of the Allianz Stadium safely. Beckenbauer offered me the position of chairman of the board, and Heness and Hopfner supported the decision. It was of course a great honor to me, and there was no doubt about it."

SPORT1: You had a wide range of connections on the international stage at that time and now. FIFA, UEFA, European Club Association (ECA) – You have or still have a huge influence everywhere. How did you do this? Did your popularity as a former world-class football player help you?

Rumenig: "This certainly played a role, and I didn't need to introduce myself too much anywhere. (Laughs) However, my network was established during my time as Vice Chairman. I often traveled on business and discussed with other officials. The G14 (the earliest joint organization of the top European clubs) was established, in which Heness and I played a special role in representing the interests of Bayern Munich. When I later became the chairman of the board, I eventually led the establishment of the ECA. It was a breakthrough for me internationally, so to speak."

SPORT1: As ECA chairman, you served for more than nine years, what was particularly important to you at that time?

Rummenigge: "From the beginning, then-UEFA President Platini and I have worked hard to set the right direction. Since then, club football has had a completely different position in UEFA and even FIFA. ECA is now the club's voice, with more than 770 member clubs. In this job - like any other profession - you have to be very diligent."

"I visit the presidents every year at the top clubs in Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Italy and England to communicate with the person in charge. We discussed what they have and how they can promote them to achieve them. This won me respect and established a long-term friendship. Of course, Bayern Munich's competitive success also helped."

SPORT1: How can Bayern Munich regain more influence on such an international stage in the future?

Rummeniger: "Our CEO Dresen is an outstanding representative of Bayern Munich and is now the vice chairman of the ECA. He specializes in representing the interests of Bayern Munich and the entire Bundesliga. He has this position and qualifications."

SPORT1: Are you particularly proud of the achievements you have made in ECA and major soccer leagues? Even surpass your achievements in Bayern Munich?

Rummeniger: "Bayern Munich is always closest to me, and its well-being is the most important to me. You always experience the success and failure of your club the strongest. If I were the president of UEFA or FIFA, I would definitely miss the weekend game, the tension, the anxiety and the joys and sorrows. For me, the most important thing is that Bayern Munich can withstand the crisis."

"In these 20 years, we have always overcome every trough together. Through this process, you have met the real people! Beckenbauer, Heines, Hopfner, and later Heine and Dresen - they were people who could trust at any time and now. Everyone stood up and held the banner of Bayern Munich."

SPORT1: "You As mentioned earlier this year, your impression is that today’s generation of football players may have made too much money and are not eager to work as a management/official. How can we convince, for example, the 2014 World Cup champions that it is worth it to take this step? ”

Rumenig: “They have to have their own inner drive and find fun in it. I’m the impression that many of them are eager to do things in principle – but not necessarily in an environment that requires a seven-day investment a week. Due to their success and the income that comes with it, this generation may have different ideas about their life planning. This is totally reasonable and not a criticism – you just need to respect it.”

SPORT1: Does this work for Thomas Mueller?

Rummenigge: "Thomas decided to go to faraway Canada to accumulate new experiences and broaden his horizons. I can imagine that if he still has the desire to hold a leadership position after he returns, it would be a huge asset to Bayern Munich. Perhaps with Thomas Muller, he will be able to achieve what seems difficult at the moment."