Today is the first Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 since the Bavarians destroyed Die Königsblauen 6-0 in May 2023. Sensing an opportunity, German news site Bild did what they do best and angled to get some dramatic quotes by asking Schalke and Bayern president Axel Hefer and Herbert Hainer, respectively, to sit down with them for a joint interview.
Hefer suggested Bayern should take steps towards making the Bundesliga more competitive (and in turn win less titles), a concept
Hainer firmly rejected as out of hand. But what if Hefer were given the ability to step into Hainer’s shoes? Bild knew what they were doing when they asked Hefer what he would do if he had Hainer’s job and they got what they wanted:
“I would genuinely consider whether the league format could be changed,” Hefer replied (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “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.”
What about the other way around? What would Hainer do at Schalke?
“I would try to further build on the sporting continuity that has already been successfully established,” the former Adidas CEO replied. “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.”
BFW Analysis
It is all well and good to try to imagine making a Bundesliga title win less secure in a hypothetical scenario as Bayern president, but if any real Bayern president were to go through with it, they would be kicked out of the position post haste.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
