Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has spoken in an interview with SID. The CEO of FC Bayern spoke about the importance of the Champions League, the commitment of the FCB in the fight against racism, the difficulties on the transfer market and a possible farewell of President Uli Hoeneß.
Mr. Rummenigge, what are FC Bayern’s intentions when they travel to the USA again?
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: We are a global brand and must present ourselves. It is no coincidence that all European top clubs are on the move in the USA or Asia, especially China. These are markets that are already important and are becoming even more important. When we first went to America we had three fan clubs, now it’s 150. There’s no alternative to these trips.
Do you see any potential for growth in this market?
Rummenigge: Merchandising is reaching its national limits. Growth markets are exclusively in America and Asia, especially in China. Sponsoring is also developing well in these countries. In America alone, we now have six sponsors, and in Asia, too, we have been able to gain several new partners in recent years. Our offices in New York and Shanghai do a good job, the presence there has paid off.
In what way?
Rummenigge: This is a dual strategy: We have American and Chinese sponsors on the one hand, but also national sponsors on the other, all of whom – whether they are Adidas, Allianz or Audi, to name just the three shareholders – attach importance to FC Bayern presenting itself globally. We have to show ourselves. After two consecutive trips to the USA, we will probably go to China again next year.
President Uli Hoeneß once spoke of a difficult balancing act and expressed concern about alienating domestic fans.
Rummenigge: The balancing act is not so difficult. I believe that our fans here in Germany and Bavaria have total understanding that we have to do this. Our saying ‘At home in Bavaria, at home in the world’ is still valid. We are even gaining fans all over the world.
Coach Niko Kovac spoke of ‘difficult conditions’ in the preparation. Is he right?
Rummenigge: The tour is top organized. Our people have all done a great job. We are now nine days in the USA, playing three games. It is trained daily. And when we come back, it will be about three weeks before the start of the Bundesliga with a training camp at Tegernsee. I don’t see the preparation burdened in any way. Quite the opposite: Our players like such trips.
What significance does a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles have for your trip?
Rummenigge: The Holocaust Museum is organising a special exhibition in honour of our former President Kurt Landauer. I find that very remarkable and makes us proud. We also have a cooperation in New York with the 9/11 Memorial. Especially to the Jewish communities we have a close connection, in Munich through Charlotte Knobloch, but also abroad. We cultivate this consciously.
Which values do you want to transport?
Rummenigge: FC Bayern stands against racism, against violence – for openness, for tolerance. We want to be clear about this. We also supported Christopher Street Day in Munich and the Queerpass fan club, which supports homosexuals. I’ve already received bad letters about why FC Bayern is doing something like this. But they end up in my shredder real quick. We are a cosmopolitan club. It is our task to stand up for these values.
Recently they also spoke of humanity in connection with the transfer market. Do you have to be able to afford them?
Rummenigge: The transfer business becomes more complicated and more expensive every year. Nevertheless, a club like FC Bayern must have its own philosophy, in which humanity plays a role, and in case of doubt, must do without a player or a business. We still have a good team and don’t have to complain.
Isn’t FC Bayern still in the transfer trap because the talents are going somewhere else and can’t be had later as stars?
Rummenigge: Young players want and have to play. With the quality of clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona or Bayern Munich, it’s more difficult than those that are one level below. The top clubs have to take ever higher financial risks in order to guarantee quality and success. I’m a little worried about that.
How do you intend to counteract this?
Rummenigge: We have to completely reactivate the two-pillar system that has always made FC Bayern successful. On one side you get the star – the new one, Lewandowski, Robben, Ribery or now Hernandez. On the other hand, you need the young players. Some of them have to be trained by themselves like millers, lambs or pig beginners. Or they must be fetched at the age of 15, 16 so that they are able to at least be in the squad at 18, 19. That must be the philosophy of the next few years.
Is FC Bayern internationally defeated?
Rummenigge: No, not at all. FC Bayern is ranked third in the current UEFA club ranking. We’re going to make one or two transfers now. Our team will be very strong again this season. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.
Will the expected top star still come?
Rummenigge: We are working full steam ahead on the transfer market. And it is important that we do not report water levels. If there’s anything concrete to announce, we’ll do it. And please don’t forget, we have until September 2nd to hire new players. Take a look.
Is there any money left in the famous time deposit account?
Rummenigge: The time deposit account will undoubtedly decrease this year. The transfer fees are madness, but the explosion of salaries makes me sick. We often talk about incredible sums, especially with the big clubs abroad. And if you bring such a player into your house as FC Bayern, you will suddenly have 40 million Euro minus in your balance sheet per year with your salary and consulting fee. Therefore, we must proceed with a cool head, very deliberately and not emotionally.
Page 1: Rummenigge on racism and problems on the transfer market
Page 2: Rummenigge over Kovac, Kahn and Hoeneß
