Created on 27-05-2009 at 00:00 AM
Hermann Gerland will be 55 on the fourth of June. Even he presumably never thought he would be celebrating his birthday as first team assistant coach. “Tiger” Gerland has spent years coaching the Bayern reserves, preparing countless talented youngsters for the professional game.
However, in late April, he stepped in to support caretaker boss Jupp Heynckes. He is now in the frame to continue as assistant coach under new supremo Louis van Gaal. Speaking to fcbayern.de, the “Tiger” discussed his future, the differences between working with the senior squad and the reserves, and why his attachment to Bayern is so deep, he would even wear a suit for the club.
Interview: Hermann Gerland
fcbayern.de: Hermann Gerland, here we are in your office upstairs in the Performance Centre. Are you settled in the first-team section now?
Gerland: “It’s not been a problem. I do go back over to the reserve coaches daily and take a look at our talented youngsters, because I don’t know what’ll happen with me yet. But even if I stay with the first team, I’ll stay in touch with the reserves and keep an eye on our hopefuls. I want as many as possible to make it as pros here at Bayern.”
fcbayern.de: What’s the situation regarding your future?
Gerland: “Louis van Gaal wants both a Dutch and a German assistant coach. Uli Hoeneß would like the German to be me, and he put me forward. There’s no reason I wouldn’t do it, so I’m waiting to talk to Louis van Gaal. I’ll find out what he expects from me, and we’ll take it from there.”
fcbayern.de: You’re known as a critical observer of the pro game. Have the last four weeks confirmed your opinions?
Gerland: “It was actually very pleasant. I’ve had a reunion with a number of my former players, who I brought up through the ranks. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Andreas Ottl for example. I’m obviously close to them, but I get on well with the others too. And I really enjoyed working with Jupp Heynckes. He makes everyone feel important, which is terrific.”