/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63857899/GettyImages-1150088973.0.0.jpg)
While the media and the Bayern Munich bosses continue to doubt him, it appears that the fans have made their decision — Niko Kovac must stay! In Bayern’s title-winning win over Eintracht Frankfurt, the embattled coach got a strong vote of confidence from those visiting the Allianz Arena, as recorded by BILD.
Die Südkurve stimmt „Niko Kovac“-Sprechchöre an. Ein Großteil der Fans macht mit. Viele erheben sich. #Kovac ist sichtlich erfreut darüber, klatscht, zeigt Daumen hoch! Danach aus der Süd: „Niko Kovac, Du bist der beste Mann.“ #FCBSGE
— BILD FC Bayern (@BILD_Bayern) May 18, 2019
The Sudkurve chants “Niko Kovac”. A large part of the fans join in. Many stood up. Kovac was visibly happy about it. He clapped and gave a thumbs up. Then from the south: “Niko Kovac you are the best man!”
Bayern smashed Frankfurt 5-1 to clinch the title, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery getting a tearful sendoff. There was a time when the team were 9 points behind Borussia Dortmund and all seemed lost. It took an incredible effort from the team and the coach to fight back and win the title from there.
Hopefully, this title win will bring some legitimacy to Kovac’s tenure, which has been under scrutiny all season. A Bundesliga win is still an amazing achievement, especially this season with BVB as strong as they are. Hopefully, the team takes this win and heads into the Pokal final against RB Leipzig with supreme confidence. The season isn’t over yet, there’s a double left to win.
Update
Apparently the fans protested the lack of support for Kovac from the bosses. Looks like they feel pretty strongly about this.
Fan-Protest wegen der fehlenden Unterstützung für Niko Kovac #FCBSGE @BILD_Sport @SPORTBILD pic.twitter.com/hMfqvEg2uW
— Tobias Altschäffl (@altobelli13) May 18, 2019
Here’s what the banner says:
“Everyone at FC Bayern has to deliver” Titles or big name? Fuck FC Hollywood
The “everyone has to deliver” refers to statements by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, where he said that the coach must deliver in order to keep his job. Clearly, the Bavarian faithful haven’t taken kindly to such ruthless messaging.
Here’s a video of the fans chanting for the manager:
Irre. Kurve feiert Niko Kovac. Fans erheben sich von den Plätzen und applaudieren. Deutlicher gehts nicht. @SPORT1 #FCBSGE pic.twitter.com/kWm3kgM3g4
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 18, 2019
Surely this won’t fall on deaf ears.