Rummenigge: “Salihamidžić is just like young Uli Hoeneß”

Karl Heinz Rummenigge was in a good mood today for many reasons. Bayern Munich finished first part of the season in best possible way and are now second in Bundesliga, behind Borussia Dortmund. His own contract was extended this Friday until December 31, 2021.

The first candidate to succeed Rummenigge is Oliver Kahn. He was asked today whether Kahn will be sport-spokesman and Brazzo as a sporting director, but Rummenigge called for patience about Kahn and his eventual employment. “Let’s first wait and see how things develop,” he told Kicker.

Rummenigge talked specifically about Salihamidžić, who was under fire lately, not only defending him also praising his hard work:

Hasan is incredibly hardworking, incredibly agile, and — what I like — when a transfer opens, he’s like the young Uli Hoeneß on the hunt and never lets up. That’s why I think he’ll find his way here.

Salihamidžić could potentially become a board member, as the board’s director of sport, as he suggested in comments to the press earlier. Rummenigge concurs that “it makes sense and is plausible that his ambition and goal should be to become director (Vorstand) someday.” Rummenigge believes that the planned transition for German Rekordmeister’s roster is a “great opportunity” for Salihamidžić:

This transition is a great opportunity for him. He is tackling this task with great energy. We accompany and advise him, as necessary. But he’s on his way, I’m sure of that.

It is very good to see the board members give support to other staff members. Salihamidžić needs this kind of praise to gain more confidence after he found himself criticized. After Robert Lewandowksi openly criticized the front office for not protecting players under criticism, the board clearly took note and is showing great solidarity.