Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has weighed in on the ongoing financial collapse of city rivals TSV 1860 Munich, making it clear that the record champions will not be stepping in to offer a financial lifeline this time around.
Speaking at a recent Presse Club München event, captured by @iMiaSanMia, Dreesen addressed the bankruptcy proceedings facing their local counterparts. Despite the historical rivalry, the Bayern boss insisted that no one in Munich is taking satisfaction in their neighbor’s
suffering. “There’s absolutely no schadenfreude from our part,” Dreesen explained. “That’s simply not how we think at Bayern. Quite the opposite: when a football club goes into bankruptcy, it’s bad for the game as a whole. It’s not good for Munich as a footballing city either.” Schadenfreude, meaning taking pleasure in another’s misfortune, is not the mature way to go, but after 1860’s cheap prank earlier this year, maybe some fans wouldn’t mind so much.
When pressed on whether Bayern could financially assist their struggling neighbors, as they have during previous crises, Dreesen firmly shut the door. “Quite honestly, I think many of our members wouldn’t view that positively,” he admitted. “We’ve already helped 1860 Munich out when they were in serious financial trouble – but, to be honest, only to an extent that also benefited Bayern. I don’t see much chance of simply transferring them money.” Instead, Dreesen suggested that hitting rock bottom might be exactly what the troubled club needs to finally stabilize. “Sometimes it’s a good thing to have to start from the bottom,” he noted. “It gives you the chance to rebuild and put things back in order. I’m optimistic they’ll get through it, especially because they have unbelievably loyal fans.”
Funneling money into a heavily mismanaged rival without any strategic benefit to Bayern would be politically toxic at Säbener Straße. But by taking a sympathetic but hands-off stance, Dreesen perfectly threads the needle.
Do you agree with Dreesen that starting from the bottom is the best way for 1860 Munich to finally fix their structural issues? Let us know in the comments!
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