Bundesliga
Maier contradicts Hoeneß – “Funny feeling” with Rangnick
Sepp Maier and Uli Hoeneß have different opinions about Ralf Rangnick as Bayern coach. photo
© Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
Sepp Maier and Uli Hoeneß won many Bayern titles together and continued to work together after their playing careers. Hoeneß’ criticism of Tuchel surprised the ex-keeper. He has a clear opinion.
“Because this story has been going on for too long. Rangnick wants a lot of power and he wants everything clarified down to the last detail. I somehow have a strange feeling,” said the 80-year-old on Sport1.
When asked about the preferred candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel, Maier replied: “It’s not Rangnick. I would actually try to keep Tuchel. As crazy as that may sound.”
Tuchel will terminate his contract in Munich early at the end of the season, as the coach and the club had already agreed weeks ago. After rejections from Xabi Alonso (Leverkusen) and Julian Nagelsmann (national coach), Rangnick, as a long-time Bundesliga coach and current team boss of the Austrian national team, is Bayern’s top candidate. He is currently thinking about Bayern’s offer.
Surprise at Hoeneß’ timing
In addition to the search for a coach, a dispute between honorary president Uli Hoeneß and current coach Tuchel is currently overshadowing the sport, including the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Last week, Hoeneß accused Tuchel of not wanting to develop young players and instead demanding new professionals. Tuchel vigorously contradicted this at the weekend and appeared hurt by the criticism.
“In this case, Uli was wrong,” said Maier. “Tuchel has often proven that he can develop talent into seasoned players. So Uli’s accusation is a bit flawed.” Tuchel is a “great and successful coach” who has the chance to win the Champions League. And if that happens, Maier added, “then Tuchel will turn his nose up at every critic.”
“Of course the players notice that.”
At the same time, the world and European champion, multiple German champion and long-time goalkeeping coach was surprised at the timing of Hoeneß’ criticism. “Uli always throws a punch every now and then. Whether that’s a good thing remains to be seen. The timing certainly took some getting used to. Especially before a game against Real Madrid. Of course the players notice that and talk about it.”