New Bayern boss Kahn pledges ‘world-class football’, cost-conscious

Munich (dpa) – Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich want to play “absolutely world-class football” but won’t go overboard financially for this, new chairman Oliver Kahn said on Monday.

Bayern said that a philosophy is needed at the club which however doesn’t solely define itself via big salaries and transfer fees, especially during the coronavirus crisis with much less income.

“Our aim is to play absolutely world-class football. We need to think about how we run the club financially so that we can reach this aim. We believe that we’re in a good position,” Kahn told a video news conference.

Kahn said that six-time European champions Bayern have “a great package to offer” because players “always have the chance to win big titles and shape an era.”

The former Bayern goalkeeper Kahn succeeded Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as chairman last week which ended the Rummenigge/Uli Hoeness era for good after Herbert Hainer earlier replaced Hoeness as president.

“Our challenge now is to lead Bayern as successfully as they did and oversee development in a few areas,” Kahn said.

Bayern won’t spend big on the summer transfer market after splashing out more than 40 million euros (47.4 million dollars) on French defender Dayot Upamecano from runner-up RB Leipzig, plus another substantial sum to also get Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Kahn said he was “absolutely convinced” of the current squad and of Nagelsmann as well who succeeds 2020 treble winner Hansi Flick, who is new Germany coach.

“We are convinced that we can tackle a new era with Julian,” Kahn said of the 33-year-old Nagelsmann who has a five-year contract.

Kahn added the club was “in very good talks” about contract extensions for midfielder Leon Goretzka and winger Kingsley Coman but not at all cost, as seen in the case of David Alaba who has now left for Real Madrid.

The pandemic, which according to Hainer has led to losses of around 150 million euros, may also lead to another look at the doctrine never to become a selling club, Kahn warned.

Pressing challenges include bringing the fans back, with Hainer saying he expects “considerably more” spectators for the Bundesliga start in August than the 1,500 allowed for upcoming tune-up games.

Bayern played 16 out of 17 home games last season behind closed doors, welcoming only 250 fans in their Bundesliga closer against Augsburg.

The players not on Euro duty or post-Euro holidays gathered for medical tests Monday, with Nagelsmann to conduct first team training on Wednesday.