Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen knows what people on the outside say about the Bundesliga: that it’s just a ‘development league’.
But he doesn’t think much of it — and issued a barb about England
clubs’ records in Europe.
“It’s not. Only the Premier League can currently afford the very high transfer fees. The higher salaries and agent fees are an even bigger problem,” Dreesen said in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia.
Dreesen at the time was addressing Bayern’s transfer bid for Nick Woltemade, which they lost to Newcastle Untied.
“With Woltemade, we had set ourselves a financial limit. We would have liked to sign Nick. Our €55million was an outstanding offer. Stuttgart said at the time that Woltemade would not be sold – no matter how much money was involved. Apparently, they changed their minds afterwards. However, in the debate about the so-called development league, one aspect seems to be overlooked,” Dreesen continued. “The record of English clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. In the past four years, they have won two out of a possible eight titles. If all other leagues were merely development leagues, why doesn’t a Premier League club win at least one of these titles every year?
“We have to separate two things: money and sporting performance. But of course, we have to make a huge effort to retain our top players, especially since there are huge offers from other clubs.”
Well, how can Bayern keep hold of their players with all these financial limitations?
“Most of all, we have to offer them a sporting and economic perspective. And be creative,” Dreesen concluded.
Seems simple: stay disciplined, win Champions Leagues.
