Jupp Jupp Jupp: Bayern’s bittersweet farewell for Jupp Heynckes at Marienplatz

The thing about the 2017/18 season is that its beginning and ending were equally sluggish. After Jupp Heynckes took over for Carlo Ancelotti in October, Bayern Munich were filled to the brim with hopes of clinching the treble. They had a brilliant few months under Heynckes in the Bundesliga and were able to seize their 28th League title. However, unfortunately, their shots at securing the Champions League and the DFP-Pokal titles went astray.

The frustration and dejection of being unable to bid adieu to Heynckes with three trophies were clearly reflected during the title celebration at Marienplatz. The players, the coach and the whole crew showed up in traditional Bavarian costumes. Most of the players looked exasperated and none of them—except Mats Hummels who looked as euphoric as always—were in a mood for celebration.

Photo by Alexandra Beier/Bongarts/Getty Images

The celebrations began by acclaiming Robert Lewandowski for his 41 goals followed by a short speech by Bayern’s interim captain Thomas Müller. He talked about how hard it was for the players to go and celebrate the league title at the city centre after Saturday’s DFB cup defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt and of how the fans who showed up made them feel better:

Of course we had other things in mind three or four weeks ago. We felt we could achieve something big. We really pushed throughout April. Now we’re here with “just” the Bundesliga title after we lost the cup final yesterday. We felt as a team it’d be tough coming here to Marienplatz and standing on the balcony but seeing how many of you came out to greet us, you definitely changed our minds. So thank you from all of us for your amazing support. There’s people even standing in the side streets.... Thanks to all of you!

With the crowd chanting “Jupp, Jupp, Jupp” in the background, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praised and thanked Heynckes for everything he has done for the team:

You just need to look at our amazing season to see how great a coach Jupp is. I’d like to thank Jupp on behalf of the whole of FC Bayern. For everything, Jupp. You were a great coach, you’re a great person. All the best, my dear Jupp. I wish you all the best for the future with your wife Iris and your dog Cando. Thank you, stay in touch and remain a close friend of FC Bayern.

Photo by Alexandra Beier/Bongarts/Getty Images

Hasan Salihamidžić thanked the fans and found himself at a loss for words to thank the boss. He stopped his speech for a moment and joined the crowd and sang the glorious chant “Jupp, Jupp, Jupp.” Like everyone else, Brazzo was disappointed that he had to see Mr. Bundesliga leave the club once and for all:

Following such a turbulent season, I’d like to once again thank all of you for your continued support. I’d also like to thank Jupp......... It was a special year. We would often speak for long periods in the morning, had many talks, and it was really something special to have you as coach in my first year.

Heynckes finally grabbed the microphone and thanked the team and the fans who kept supporting Bayern regardless of the unfortunate results:

I think that you—like us—are disappointed. Being honest, I didn’t expect this today. To have so many fans here celebrating us is just incredible. Huge thanks to all of you, thanks to my team and everyone who supported us. Thank you!

Following his short speech, Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” was played for Jupp, who is a big fan of the British rock band. Heynckes left the town hall a few minutes past four after signing a few final autographs.

Auf Wiedersehen, Jupp!