Bayern Look Nervously Toward a Future Without Uli Hoeness

For many foreign fans watching German football, there is but one club that catches the attention—Bayern Munich.

In a distinguished history, the Bavarian giants have won an incredible 52 major trophies, including four European Cup titles. Like any club, there have been ups and downs, but nevertheless it has remained at the forefront of European football for the best part of 40 years.

If fans were asked to associate one individual with the club, arguably only one name would attract nominations—Franz Beckenbauer.

Der Kaiser—a World Cup winner with West Germany in 1974—captained the club to three of its European successes in the 1970s, and led the club to many triumphs in two spells as manager. Now club president at the Allianz Arena, the former sweeper has become synonymous with Bayern in a way few other men in world football are.

As the 2008-09 season draws nearer to its conclusion, however, those nearest and dearest to the club are starting to fear life after the departure of arguably the club’s most important servant. Having been instrumental in everything the club has done in recent decades, many are concerned the club will inevitably suffer in his absence next season.

But it is not Beckenbauer's departure that is being feared.

No, it is the club’s general manager, Uli Hoeness, who has fans worried as he hands over the keys after nearly 30 years in charge of the club. The former West German international—he won the European Cup (with Bayern) and World Cup in 1974—joined the club as general manager in 1979 after injury forced him to retire as a player.

Just 27, he turned what was initially an ill-defined role into one of the most powerful positions in world football, and in the process turned a successful but debt-ridden club into one of huge financial and footballing might.

“Uli has been a rock for this club,” admitted Beckenbauer, when talking about Hoeness’ impending departure earlier this season. “He has tied together all the strings, he has been our anchor. He will be a tough act to follow.”

It was Beckenbauer’s return to the club—initially as director, then president—that brought Bayern the respect, authority, and publicity that eventually enabled it to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

But it was Hoeness that negotiated his former teammate’s arrival.

It was Hoeness who ensured that the club’s books were always balanced, and Hoeness who orchestrated the club’s pursuit of the country’s—and the world’s—very best players.

It was Hoeness who hired managers—and fired them. Ottmar Hitzfield, Giovanni Trappatoni, Jupp Heynckes, Jurgen Klinsmann—all have had to bow to Hoeness’ will, whether they liked it or not.

Ultimately, it has been Hoeness who has overseen Bayern’s emergence as a club of huge regional significance—an organisation that represents and emboldens Bavaria in a similar way to Barcelona and Catalonia, or AC Milan and north Italy.

In a wider context, Hoeness campaigned vociferously to guarantee the Bundesliga earned its share of the television revenue pie, and ensured his club was part of the G14 group of European clubs that forced UEFA to introduce the Champions League.

From his position of power, the 57-year-old has long been able to say exactly what he feels about opposing players, coaches, and even referees—and has subsequently garnered a reputation as an outspoken and controversial figure.

This should not distract from his significance to the club.

Replacements are already being touted, but—perhaps unsurprisingly—the list is far from exhaustive.

Oliver Kahn, Bayern’s recently retired goalkeeper, has been identified as a candidate and character similar to Hoeness’ own—but even he seems reticent to take on such a task:

“To follow Uli Hoeness is a big job—the biggest in German football,” Kahn said. “You don’t go there easily.”

Maybe Hoeness’ brother, Dieter, would be prepared to take the role. The 56-year-old is currently general manager at Hertha Berlin, but fulfilling the role at Bayern would be a difficult step up. But while Berlin remain top of the Bundesliga, Dieter will have his supporters.

At the moment, however, it is Klaus Allofs who seems to be the lead candidate. Allofs—who played at the same time as Hoeness—is currently general manager at Bayern’s league rivals Werder Bremen.

His success in keeping the northern club near the top of the Bundesliga on a (comparatively) meagre budget has brought him widespread praise. But would he be able to cope with the bigger egos and fees that Bayern work with?

Such questions are for a later interview. In the meantime, the club is focusing on asserting itself at the top of the league (the club are currently second, a point off the lead) and trying to find a way past Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals. Neither will be an easy task.

If either—or both—can be achieved, then it will be a fitting end to Hoeness’ era. But whoever’s era comes next, the pressure will still be immediate.

On the pitch, fears are growing that star midfielder Frank Ribery will leave the club in the summer. The French midfielder is undoubtedly among the game’s elite players—but even if he does head for pastures new, it is the loss of their inimitable general manager that will likely be most damaging.