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Wednesday, January 08, 2020, 10:44
Lifting Bayern on a new level, onboarding Kahn
By Xinhua
Wednesday, January 08, 2020, 10:44 By Xinhua

New board member of German first division Bundesliga football club FC Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn looks on during a press conference on Jan 7, 2020 in Munich. (CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)

BERLIN - Oliver Kahn's first day in office might have been one of the shortest in his new career as a football official.

Shortly after his presentation as designated chairman of Bayern Munich in the crowded press-hall of the Bavarian's arena this Tuesday, the 50-year-old former goalkeeper icon left to join the reigning German champion's squad attending a winter training-camp in Doha.

With Kahn as new board-member at the German record champion, the bell rings for a new era.

It has always been the club's goal to be the number one at all levels. After 14 years in Bayern's shirt, this is part of my personality

Oliver Kahn, Board member, Bayern Munich

ALSO READ: Bayern's risky Nuebel transfer causing unrest, Neuer upset

The 2001 Champions League winner signed a five-year contract and follows in the footsteps of the chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at the end of 2021. Until then, Kahn's issues are described as an onboarding process.

Behind the scene, the three-time world best goalkeeper and 1996 European champion is heavily involved in current and future topics.

"It is not only about to follow past success but to do further steps and gain development in all sections," Kahn announced.

Kahn said he intends to keep characteristics of Bayern as a club with a particular family atmosphere alive and prepare the side for the future of modern football.

The former German international said a short-term goal is to win the 8th consecutive national title this season.

He described future achievements: Education of talents to identification figures, develop a convincing game pattern, and provide an enchanting football style. He mentioned success in the Champions League as significant.

"It has always been the club's goal to be the number one at all levels," he commented. "After 14 years in Bayern's shirt, this is part of my personality."

EMOTIONAL RETURN

Kahn's return couldn't be more emotional after he played as Bayern's captain for over a decade. "The last days have been exceptionally emotional for me," Kahn said.

New board member of German first division Bundesliga football club FC Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn (R) and Bayern's new president Herbert Hainer give a press conference for Kahn's official presentation on Jan 7, 2020 in Munich. (CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)

One never leaves this club he underlined as it is a unique side he added. To always improve and set sails for new shores "has been part of my professional career."

Talking about Bayern's DNA is talking about Kahn's influence when it comes to the club's motto, "we are what we are" (Mia san Mia). One of his characteristics was never to give up.

Kahn said he might cool down as an official after he was known as a hot-blooded footballer and "erupting volcano."

SMART LEADERSHIP

Doors for players will always be open; he emphasized: "as this made Bayern to the best club in the world." To know about player's moods "has been essential and will be the most important future issue." Bayern is a club counting a "human note."

Kahn's biggest challenge is to moderate the takeover from Rummenigge and set new marks. Kahn has been acting smart as he operated from a safe background-position. From now on, he will be increasing his influence step by step.

Kahn has to capture space in Bayern's delicate power structure with president Herbert Hainer, Rummenigge, and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic around.

GOALKEEPER ISSUE

Bayern's signing Schalke keeper Alexander Nuebel is causing ongoing turmoil as the 23-year-old signed a five-year contract from summer 2020 on. Nuebel intends to become the number one and challenge Manuel Neuer.

Schalke's German goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel waves after the German First division Bundesliga football match between Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund in Gelsenkirchen, on Oct 26, 2019. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

The 2014 World Champion and 4-times world-keeper is opposing plans to make space in 15 games for Nuebel. Neuer is said to overthink extending his contract until 2023.

Kahn said it was a must to sign "one of the country's biggest talents," but said Neuer remains the number one. He called Nuebel's move courageous. "Everyone has to accept his decision to join in as he said he is willing to learn from a world-class keeper like Neuer and enqueue."

"We should concentrate on the second half of the season and get to that issue at the right time," Kahn said, adding he will be talking to all to find a solution.

FUTURE VISIONS

Hainer praised Kahn's experience as a footballer, businessman, and leader. The new arrival said the main task is to provide world-class football to fans on a solid economic basis and be top class in every part.

READ MORE: Leipzig tops in Germany at halfway stage, but Bayern revived

"We need to use the enormous potential of our staff and allow different opinions trying to find the best solution," Kahn commented, calling himself a team-player.

He said the future goal is to keep Bayern at the very top of international football. "The team and sports will be our main topic. And everyone knows he has to address the highest level."

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