At the nightly banquet, the Bayern stars were celebrated for their “unbelievable” record series. After an emotional Champions League evening with deafening fan noise, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen asked for a “tremendous round of applause” for his group stage winners in the red-lit Raffles Ballroom.
But the 56-year-old “didn’t want to leave out” one difficult topic: the sensitive personality of Noussair Mazraoui . Without further ado, Dreesen, who has been managing the German record champions since the end of May as Oliver Kahn ‘s successor, spoke about the Moroccan international. Mazraoui, who returned to the starting lineup after suffering an injury in the 3-1 win against Galatasaray, had drawn much criticism for his pro-Palestinian social media post.
“We obviously want to fully integrate our player Noussair Mazraoui into our team. There will be further discussions,” said Dreesen. Using the hall microphone, he referred to statements made by coach Thomas Tuchel , who was listening nearby. Tuchel relies on the “microcosm of the cabin”. This means that differences of a “cultural and religious nature” could also lead to coexistence.
During the night’s round, Mazraoui sat at a table with Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who is worried about family and friends back home in difficult days. As “Bild” reported on Wednesday, there had been a conversation between Mazraoui and Peretz on the match day. Accordingly, the Munich club president Herbert Hainer suggested the meeting. According to the information, he first spoke to the two professionals individually in the team hotel, then there was a conversation between the three of them.
132 decibels in the stadium
“I’m sure that it’s good to concentrate on the sport this evening , to celebrate the evening and, above all, to reflect on this game to some extent,” said Dreesen after the strain on the eardrums on the Bosporus. It wasn’t just Harry Kane, who scored to make it 2-1 (73′) and then set up Jamal Musiala’s 3-1 (79′), who first had to “find his hearing again”.
The level of 132 decibels from fan chants and whistles was measured. “That corresponds to the noise level of a jet plane,” said Dreesen. “We felt like we were next to a jet plane during this incredible game.” Afterwards, the noble fans were able to talk shop about the record series over shrimp salad, salmon or baklava. The Munich team has been unbeaten in 37 group games in the premier class and has won all of the last 16 games. Eight away wins in a row are also a record.
Before Bayern struck ice cold at Rams Park, they had to defy heavy resistance after the early lead through Kingsley Coman (8th), and not just because of Mauro Icardi’s penalty (30th). “We had to suffer a lot in the first half,” said Tuchel. Kane was relieved: “Nine points after three games is very important.” In practice it means the round of 16, because with such a starting balance it has always been successful.
Tuchel also had to put up with a joke from his boss, who was in a happy mood after “incredible series”. After Dreesen had already called on the coach to come up with creative solutions in view of the lack of sufficient numbers in the squad, he said before Saturday’s league game against Darmstadt 98 and next week’s cup game at 1. FC Saarbrücken: “Let’s make a little joke . I’m sure that the trainer’s creativity will bear fruit again, dear Thomas.”
Goalkeeper Neuer before a comeback
Then Manuel Neuer could soon be there again. Tuchel has not yet decided whether Neuer will actually be back in the Bayern goal on Saturday for the first time in almost a year. The big comeback of the captain, who has been missing since December after breaking his leg, is longed for by everyone in the ensemble.
“I wish him to come back with all my heart,” said Joshua Kimmich , who led the team as captain. While central defender Matthijs de Ligt said the team had made a “huge development step” given the improvement in management after the break, Kimmich was more reserved. “We have to deal with both aspects. On the one hand, that we had the problems, on the other hand, it’s good that we showed a reaction in the second half,” said the 28-year-old.
Last season, such games were “often given away,” said strong Neuer representative Sven Ulreich , who will soon be back on the bench. “I know my role at FC Bayern and Manu has now fought his way back,” said Ulreich, whose ears even hurt after the “brutal atmosphere.” The 35-year-old spoke about how there was no need to speak to Mazraoui separately after turbulent days. “He’s been a professional for a long time, so he knows what football is about.” He didn’t notice any difference from his previous interaction
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