After the loss to Schalke, Jurgen Klinsmann is no longer employed at the Allianz Arena and has been sent off. Permanently. He has been sacked and the caretakers of the team, until the end of the season, have been appointed. Jupp Heynckes took the reigns and Hamit Altintop and Captain Dutch, Mark van Bommel were probably especially pleased. You may or may not be aware that Hamit came into the Bundesliga in 2003 at Schalke, instantly claiming a starting spot. Who was in charge then? Heynckes.
In 2004, van Bommel was Captain at PSV Eindhoven. However, Heynckes had tried to lure van Bommel over to Schalke then. The only reason he didn't go; the deal fell through because of a transfer fee.
"He says exactly what he wants and doesn’t want. He puts things right and gees you up, he’s always clear in what he says. We like that," said Van Bommel. Courtesy of his vast experience and "wonderful career" as a player and coach, Heynckes was a man "who knows how it works. You see it in the details. You sense his wealth of experience. We’re delighted to be working with Mr Heynckes," the 32-year-old continued, describing the mood in the dressing room as "outstanding".
Altintop agreed with his captain. "He expects the simple things like discipline and commitment." The man who coached Real Madrid to Champions League glory in 1998 "has seen and done it all, so he really understands the situation we’re in." And that, Hamit conceded, was precarious: "I think all the players have realised time’s almost up."
So the Klinsmann era has come to an end with five games to go. The team seems very positive about their new caretaker and a bit of faith has been restored at the Allianz Arena. The question remains, is it enough time?