Hollywood drama in Bayern: Head coach and sporting director in another clash

The highly popular movie in the eighties „Highlander“, starring Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert had a famous moto „There can only be one“ which can be used perfectly to describe the current power struggle inside Bayern Munich. It’s bad enough that the Bavarians lost at home in the Champions League to PSG, and are without best striker Robert Lewandowski, along with Niklas Sule and Leon Goretzka (all three unavailable for the rematch), but they are also hitting the headlines because of an inner war between coach Hansi Flick and sports director Hasan „Braco“ Salihamidzic.

Trouble in paradise: Bayern torn by inner struggle

It’s already been documented that the pair are not in good terms, as Flick want’s to be involved more with the selection of future players, while Braco doesn’t allow any interference. Flick is under the wing of executive director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who is leaving his post in June, while Braco is a protegee of former Bayern president and now an influential board member Uli Hoeness. Rummenigge’s successor, famous goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is yet to decide who to support.

Boateng's confirmed exit sparks tension at Bayern Munich

The latest clash happened over another player who is a favorite of Flick – Jerome Boateng. Just before the PSG match, it was announced that Boateng will leave at the the end of the season as a free agent and Salihamidzic said Flick agreed with the decision, while head coach suggested otherwise in the press conference after Wednesday's defeat. And now, Rummenige had to publicly intervene.

„We all have to pull together, to work together harmoniously, loyally and professionally. That is my clear demand of the sporting management. That's what has always distinguished FC Bayern. This issue must come to an end. It is superfluous that we have to comment on this permanently, especially since we are in the last quarter of the season, are top of the Bundesliga with a seven-point lead and also still have a chance to advance in the Champions League despite losing 2-3 in our first game against Paris. We need calmness and to focus on the essentials" Rummenigge said in an interview with Bild.

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The issue will come to an end probably at the end of the season. The most likely result: Hansi Flick leaving Bayern to take over the German National Team from Joackim Loew. He was brought to Bayern by Rummenige who will retire, and Braco and Hoenes are staying put. It is believed that Kahn doesn’t want a war with Hoenes at the start of this first mandate, and Flick will take over The Mannschaft, and won’t have the situation where his director is bringing new players without his input.