Hansi Flick’s debut season as manager of Bayern Munich was nothing short of sensational. Clinching titles in all the five competitions they appeared in, the Bavarians had an outstanding season. Although, as many of the players mentioned in post-match interviews, the victories and titles would have been a bit sweeter if there were fans inside the stadium for them to share it with.
While talking to the members magazine 51 (via Abendzeitung), president Herbert Hainer expressed that his greatest wish is for fans to start coming back to stadiums. The games including the Champions League finale and the knockout game against Barcelona are really memorable and it was truly unfortunate for the fans to not be able to watch it inside the stadium.
Hainer said, “On the morning after the 8:2 over FC Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals, it hit me especially hard how much I missed the fans: you don’t experience such magical nights often - and when you beat Barça 8:2, a Barça with Lionel Messi mind you, then your heart bleeds because no fans were able to experience these emotions there with you.”
The president, who is celebrating his one year anniversary at the office in two weeks, was asked what he would like to see happen in the second year of his term. He replied, “My greatest wish for my second year in office: that the fans can come back into the stadium.”
Talking about the pandemic and the protocols people need to follow to dodge the virus, Flick commented that it is important to be responsible and lead by example during these trying times.
“I try to always wear the mask when it is necessary,” said Flick. “When I see scenes from stadiums abroad, without masks, without any distance, I cannot understand it. We have to see how it develops over the next four weeks. We have to show solidarity, also on the part of the government, that we support these professional groups who are currently unable to work. We got ourselves into this situation through recklessness and must now lead by example. Many players were a great role model.”
Let’s just hope that things will return to normal real soon. Also, throwback to this heartwarming gesture from the club before the Champions League finale against Paris Saint-Germain:
✍️✉️ From our team to the best fans in the world! ♥️#MiaSanMia #MissionLis6on #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/Bz5FYe6D4z
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 22, 2020