Chairman: We’re very, very hungry for trophies

Wherever you go in the vast area occupied by the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt, you cannot ignore the trophies. The 22 German championship shields, the 15 DFB Cups, the two Intercontinental Cups, the four European Cup/Champions League trophies, the Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Cup: they glitter invitingly and exude glorious triumph. The club is now determined to add to its stunning collection come next May. “We at FC Bayern are very, very hungry for trophies this season,” declared Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, “and the most honest title is the German championship. This season, as every season, it’s our number one priority.“

After two campaigns without silverware, the mood at Germany’s most successful club was one of a “fresh start“, the chairman said on Wednesday during the ceremonial official opening of the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt. Rummenigge called for hard work and total concentration in the effort to restore the club’s trophy-winning fortunes. President Uli Hoeneß chimed in: “I really hope we can make amends very, very soon. And I’m aware everyone involved is working extremely hard on that.“

Striving for new heights

Fans, players and officials alike have to live with the three runners-up spots from last season, continued Hoeneß. “Obviously, it’s not the situation any of us wanted. But even when we lose, it’s part of the history of FC Bayern. There have always been highs and lows,” the club president reflected, “a club’s greatness only really shows if you can draw strength from adversity and strive to new heights.“

Hoeneß joined the squad on last week’s five-day tour of China – and the former manager is certain the players have put last season’s bitter disappointments behind them. “My feeling is that the lads have done well in putting it behind them,” he reported, “I’m convinced we’ll see a very hard-working, focused team right from the start of the season.“