BERLIN • Bayern Munich chief executive officer Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has all but confirmed Niko Kovac's position was safe after the Bundesliga champions secured the domestic double with a 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the German Cup final on Saturday.
The Bayern coach has fought off relentless criticism in his first year in charge of the Bavarian giants, as well as rumours that he would be sacked even if the club did win the league and Cup double.
But their emphatic win over Leipzig appeared to end speculation over the Croat's future, as home fans chanted his name before kick-off and after the final whistle.
Rummenigge, who was considered one of Kovac's strongest boardroom critics this season, also told German broadcaster ARD that parting company with 47-year-old was "never an issue".
He said: "We never questioned whether he would be here next season, that was never a topic for us. At the end of the day, trophies are what is expected at Bayern. The coach plays a central role here."
The German added that while it had been a "curious" term, with the team undergoing several rocky patches during the year and were also convincingly knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 by Liverpool.
However, having played "amazingly" at the Olympiastadion for their 12th double and 19th Cup, the victory was a final vindication for Kovac, whose team overcame a nine-point deficit from rivals Borussia Dortmund to lift the Bundesliga title for a seventh straight time.
Admitting he knew "how difficult the job is", the former Eintracht Frankfurt coach, who paid tribute to the travelling support with a loudspeaker at the full-time whistle, told ARD: "I had to stay calm. Trophies are important.
"I thanked the fans, without them, we would not have made it out of the hole we were in earlier in the season
"Last year, I cried because I was leaving the club (Eintracht). This year, it was a bit less emotional but the emotions are always there."
Kovac is now the first coach to have won the Cup in two successive seasons with two different clubs, having beaten Bayern with his former team in last year's final.
Robert Lewandowski's brace and a late strike from Kingsley Coman sealed the victory and, afterwards, the Poland striker dedicated the trophy to long-serving teammates Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
The duo will be departing the Allianz Arena in the summer on a free transfer, and Lewandowski told ARD that "they have done so much for the club and we have to thank them".
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Ten-man PSG humiliated at Lille, made to wait for title 15 Apr 2019 Lille's Jose Fonte (centre) scores against Paris Saint-Germain during their French League match on Sunday.
Ten-man PSG humiliated at Lille, made to wait for title
Brighton seal FA Cup semi spot after beating Millwall on penalties The other semi-final will be contested between Watford and Wolves after Nuno Espirito Santo's men dumped Manchester United out of
FA Cup 2019: Manchester City set to face Watford in final at
Man City Inflict More Pain On Man Utd To Top Premier League a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with three games to go. raced in behind Kompany once more. Manchester United
Man City Inflict More Pain On Man Utd To Top Premier League
Bayern Munich reach German Cup final to keep Double in sight Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich beat Werder Bremen 3-2 with two goals from Robert Lewandowski on Wednesday to advance to the German
And in Madrid this morning, Klopp completed his journey with a 2-0 victory over a Spurs side that boasted seven members of the same starting XI who took to the park for his first outing in red.
Jurgen Klopp the most important figure at Liverpool, says
Dec 22, 2018 · Deeney and Deulofeu seal Watford win over West Ham and raise Europe hopes sign up and get our daily football email. West Ham worked up a storm early in the second half but precision still
Deeney and Deulofeu seal Watford win at West Ham | Reuters.com
Football: Wasteful Barca held to goalless draw at defiant Lyon
"Di Francesco will remain the coach who took Roma to the Champions League semi-finals after who knows how many years and he deserves credit for that. I know this isn't our best season and the job of a coach will always be tied to results." Former Roma midfielder Di Francsco helped the team to their last Serie A title as a player in 2001.
Ranieri lined-up as Roma sack Di Francesco after Champions
LONDON • Jose Mourinho has appeared to suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has become "a puppet" at Manchester United, with the former manager alluding to certain players having too much power.. Read
Salty Language Episode 52 - Puppet Show - YouTube
With the ground shaking, it wasn't a particularly good idea to take the Batmobile. Batman, Red Robin and Robin piled into the Batwing, while Nightwing, Red Hood, Sora and Riku went for the Batboat. The ocean around Gotham would still be difficult to navigate, but much easier than trying to drive a car in a straight line.
Premiership glory beckons for Reds duo - BBC Sport
Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium; Saints stay up By Neil Robinson Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - April 27, 2019 West Hams Michail Antonio scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs LONDON (Reuters) -
Premier League: Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen