Soccer - Snow slows down Bavaria: No Bavarian hunt
Wrapped up warm,Thomas Müller grabbed a snow shovel and joked in a video about the heavy onset of winter in Bavaria, which slowed down Munich's professional footballers twice over. Series champions FC Bayern's pursuit of league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen was halted for the time being when their own match against Union Berlin was called off on Saturday. And the traditional fan club visits of the Bayern professionals planned for the first Advent had to be postponed to the new year with a heavy heart.
Goalscorer Harry Kane, for example, was supposed to delight the supporters of the local fan club in Kirchweidach in the district of Altötting on Sunday. Johannes Kirchner from the fan club "Die Roten" had reported "brutal hype" in the run-up to the event. In addition to several hundred fans, reporters from England had even announced their intention to visit Kane in the province.
According to the club, the fan club visits will now be made up for in January "as part of a New Year's reception". The Union game will also take place in the new year. At least that's what all the signs pointed to on Sunday. Playing the game at the same time as the DFB Cup on Tuesday or Wednesday is not permitted. The other dates during the week are blocked by the Champions League and Bundesliga until the Christmas break. This means that weekdays from mid-January onwards are the best option.
According to the DFL, safety risks around the Allianz Arena and on the travel routes made it necessary to cancel the home match against Union after heavy snowfall. The league announced a decision on the new match date as soon as possible.
In addition to shoveling snow, Müller, like his team-mates and coach Thomas Tuchel, had to settle in for "Bundesliga on the couch" instead of in the stadium at the weekend. On Sunday, the Munich team looked to Leverkusen, who wanted to extend their lead in the table against Borussia Dortmund. Bayer have long been regarded as their first title rivals. "Leverkusen is a formidable competitor," said Herbert Hainer.
The club president and supervisory board chairman also commented on some Munich personnel matters on "Bild-TV" on Sunday. Following the contract extension with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (37), the 69-year-old also held out the prospect of a swift agreement with veteran Müller (34). "Thomas knows exactly what he has in FC Bayern, and we know what we have in Thomas. I can also imagine that it can happen relatively quickly."
Müller's contract ends at the end of the season. Captain Neuer's contract was extended until June 30, 2025 after his successful comeback from a complicated leg fracture a few days ago. Will Müller follow suit? "Thomas is an absolutely deserving player. We all want Thomas to finish his career at Bayern Munich," said Hainer. Talks are being held with Müller. The president is not even thinking about Müller changing clubs. "That won't happen either, I'm convinced of that." Müller is "an icon" and should be tied to the club beyond his professional career if possible.
Together with coach Tuchel, Bayern's decision-makers are already looking ahead to the winter transfer period, which begins in January, ahead of the four competitive games left in 2023. Hainer was cautious on Bild TV: "We're always looking at how we can further strengthen our squad. The fact that we are looking around in the defensive area is no great mystery."
There would be enough money to strike again after the 100 million transfer of top star Kane. "Thank God FC Bayern is in an economic situation where it can always react on the market if it wants to," said Hainer. "But of course it has to make sense." With Kane (30), the club has achieved "a very good coup". They also see Kane's visit to Kirchweidach as a real coup, even if they will now have to wait a little longer for England's team captain.
Bayern squad Bundesliga fixture list Bundesliga perpetual table Bundesliga table Bayern announcement on the cancellation of the fan visits Bayern announcement on the cancellation of the match DFB announcement on the cancellation of the match
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- The heavy onset of winter in Bavaria has led to Thomas Müller using a snow shovel, joking about its impact on Munich's professional soccer team.
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Bavaria's first title rivals, were not affected by the weather as their match against Borussia Dortmund was scheduled for Sunday.
- Fan club visits by Bayern München professionals, including goalscorer Harry Kane, were postponed due to the weather, with a new year's reception planned as an alternative.
- In the District of Altötting, Johannes Kirchner reported "brutal hype" for Kane's visit, which was supposed to happen on Sunday, but had to be postponed.
- The Union Berlin game, which was supposed to be on Sunday, will also be moved to the new year, with January being the most viable option due to the Champions League and Bundesliga commitments.
- The decision to cancel the home match against Union Berlin was made due to safety risks surrounding the Allianz Arena and travel routes, with the league announcing a new match date as soon as possible.
- Herbert Hainer, the club president and supervisory board chairman, held out the prospect of a swift contract extension for Thomas Müller during an interview on "Bild-TV" on Sunday.
- With Müller's contract ending at the end of the season, talks are ongoing to extend his stay at FC Bayern München beyond his professional career.
- The DFL is looking to further strengthen its squad for the winter transfer period, which begins in January, with ample funds to make strategic moves.
- FC Bayern München has achieved "a very good coup" with the signing of Harry Kane, which has been hailed as a real coup for the club, even if they will have to wait longer for his visit.
- Bayern München's decision-makers, along with coach Tuchel, are already planning for the future, with the upcoming winter transfer period and the four remaining competitive games in 2023.
Source: www.stern.de
