Bayern, Schalke bosses not aligned on health of Bundesliga (Bild via @iMiaSanMia)
As you might expect, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer and Schalke chairman of the supervisory board Axel Hefer are not fully in lockstep on the health of competitiveness in the Bundesliga. Check out these excerpts from an interview that Bild did with the duo:
In a double interview with @BILD, Bayern and Schalke bosses, Herbert Hainer and Axel Hefer, discuss the state of the Bundesliga and Bayern’s dominance
Hefer: “From a fan’s perspective, and also from Bayern’s perspective, I don’t think the
current outcome is ideal. In his 13 years of life, my son has only experienced a different German champion once, that becomes boring. I believe Bayern, too, should have a strong interest in rethinking the league format. That way, they can continue playing in the Champions League every year, while at the same time bringing a little more excitement to the league.”
Hainer responds: “I assume you’re referring to the introduction of a playoff system. We see things differently. Whoever is at the top after 34 matchdays should be crowned German champion. The best example is last season’s basketball campaign: we finished comfortably top of the table after the regular season, but then lost the final playoff game against Alba Berlin because our team was simply exhausted after 83 games over the course of the season. Don’t get me wrong: Alba were the better team in the final series and therefore deserved to win. But the fairest system is for the team at the top after the regular season to be crowned German champions. We shouldn’t talk the league down. Two years ago, Leverkusen won the title, and there is always a close battle for the European places and against relegation as well. And Mr. Hefer, Schalke will also have sold out every match this season. So, in that respect, you cannot say that the Bundesliga is boring.”
Hefer: “When listening to you, Mr. Hainer, I believe we have fundamentally different views on this point. We have made it our mission to inspire and excite people, that is our highest principle. Success is a key factor in that, but it does not stand above everything else. If I were in your position, I would not find it desirable to become champions every single year – excitement comes from achieving something that was never guaranteed in the first place”
Hainer: “I can assure you that we excite our fans more than enough. When ticket sales for the following season begin at the end of a campaign, every single match – with 75,000 spectators – is sold out within three hours. We have seen a surge in membership over the past two years like never before – 1,000 new members every week. We are now well over 450,000 members in total. So I cannot say that our fans are not excited about FC Bayern. Everywhere we go for away matches, the stadiums are sold out. No other club in the Bundesliga achieves that. And you are right, there is a disagreement between us on this point: I want to become champion every single year.”
Suppose you were to swap jobs for a day. Mr. Hefer, what would you change at FC Bayern?
Hefer: “I would genuinely consider whether the league format could be changed. It’s one of the few areas where FC Bayern, given its position and influence, could play an even more proactive role in increasing competitiveness and excitement. The football product really suffers from this extreme dominance. Of course, the ambition to win the Champions League would remain unchanged. But bringing a little more variety into the Bundesliga would benefit both the league and the club. It would also offer more interesting commercial opportunities.”
And what about you at Schalke, Mr. Hainer?
Hainer: “I would try to further build on the sporting continuity that has already been successfully established. Given Schalke 04’s stature and potential, a permanent place in the Bundesliga is certainly possible. We didn’t achieve success overnight either. So I think establishing yourselves, continuing to move forward, and eventually reaching the European places is generally a good path to take. Those who want too much too quickly often risk a lot.”
The league playoff topic is one that could gain momentum in the future. As Bayern Munich enters yet another season as heavy favorites, this idea could be one that starts to get support. Of course, Bayern Munich might not be so warm to it, but it would be a revenue driver (well, if the Bundesliga could secure lucrative international TV deals) for the Bundesliga.
Maybe one day, but it would likely take a lot to make it happen.
PSG goes wild with signings (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano)
On the same day it was upset 2-1 by AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain announced a slew of signings, including head coach Luis Enrique:
Will Kvaratskhelia be next? (ESPN)
Speaking of PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might be next on the club’s list to get an extension:
Paris Saint-Germain are looking to extend the contract of winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the Ballon d’Or ceremony later this year, according to L’Equipe. The Georgia international is viewed as a candidate to win the award, and given his contract runs until 2029, the French club are hopeful of landing an extension with a pay rise. The 25-year-old joined PSG from Napoli for €60 million in January 2025, and has scored 28 goals and assisted 19 in 84 appearances since.
If Michael Olise is not the best winger in the world, it is Kvaratskhelia.
Burn all the pics (Rising Stars XI)
This is like finding out some girl you like used to date your archrival:
Look, we all make mistakes. No harm, no foul Aleks.
We kid, we kid…
LFC, Gunners, United, Chelsea all still eyeing Tchouaméni (Fußball News journalist Ekrem Konur)
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni:
🚨#EXCL Real Madrid’s midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a top target for Premier League giants!
Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd, and Chelsea are actively monitoring him.
Huijsen, Antony exchange words (ESPN Deportes)
Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen and Real Betis’ Antony exchanged words, but did not come to blows during the upset 1-0 victory for Real Betis:
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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