Oliver Kahn comes with a remarkable statement, shortly after it became known that the general manager was fired by Bayern Munich, just like technical director Hasan Salihamidzic. The former goalkeeper would have liked to be present at the away game with 1. FC Köln this Saturday, but he said he was forbidden to do so. The Record Master took the title after all thanks to the 1-2 win in Cologne and Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against FSV Mainz 05.
“I planned to travel to Cologne to celebrate the championship there with the selection, of course, but I was forbidden to do so,” Kahn said shortly after his resignation in the German media. The sent away driver is nevertheless very happy with the eleventh title in a row, he said via Twitter. “Unbelievable! A big compliment and congratulations guys! I’ve always told you! Never give up and always keep going. I’m extremely proud of you and this achievement. I would love to be with you and celebrate, but I’m forbidden to by the club management. But I am already looking forward to next season, when you become champions for the twelfth time in a row!”, said Kahn.
Unglaublich! Ein ganz großes Kompliment und Gratulation Jungs! Ich hab’s euch ever gesagt! Immer bis zum Schluss allesben und nimals aufgeben. Ich bin unheimlich stolz auf euch und diese Leistung! Ich würde gerne mit euch mitfeiern, aber leader kann ich heute nicht bei euch…
— Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) May 27, 2023
Chairman Herbert Hainer explains on Bayern’s website why Kahn has been said goodbye. “To end the collaboration has not been easy for the Supervisory Board. However, due to recent developments, we felt it necessary to choose new leadership. We thank Oliver for his dedication, ideas and everything we have together He will always be a club legend and we wish him the best for the future.” Jan-Christian Dreesen succeeds the former goalkeeper. Dreesen was Bayern’s financial director until this point.
Kahn had been Bayern general manager since mid-2021, while Salihamidžic had held the position of technical director since mid-2020. It was an extremely restless season at the club, as trainer Julian Nagelsmann was fired quite suddenly in March. Under his successor Thomas Tuchel, Bayern was eliminated from the Champions League and DFB-Pokal, but the Bundesliga was eventually won.