Former Munich crowd hero Roy Makaay is always a very welcome guest at the Säbener Strasse. The Dutch marksman netted no fewer than 78 goals in 129 Bundesliga appearances for FC Bayern between 2003 and 2007 and is currently visiting his former stomping ground.
“I enjoy it every time I come,” the 40-year-old exclusively told fcbayern.de. Makaay was naturally enthusiastic about the Reds’ display against Porto on Tuesday night: “It was really impressive.” Roy also talked about the atmosphere at the Allianz Arena and Bayern’s prospects this term.
Interview: Roy Makaay
fcbayern.de: Hello, Roy! We’ve not seen you for a while...
Roy Makaay: Unfortunately not! I was here last summer but during the break. I was most recently at the stadium last year for the game against Manchester City [a 3-2 defeat in December 2013]. I have a lot to do in Holland but it worked out this time... and what a wonderful game!
What was the first thing you thought about when you returned to the Allianz Arena?
Straight after kick-off I thought about my early, early goal against Real Madrid. I checked the clock after ten seconds and thought to myself: 'At this point in the match the ball was already in!' (laughs). Otherwise I was just hoping FC Bayern would go through. You become a fan again and that’ll never stop!
The atmosphere was special wasn’t it?
I experienced it myself many times. The atmosphere was always good, but the fans raised the level a notch for the special games. Yesterday they got behind the team from the kick-off until the final whistle, and the players responded with 90 terrific minutes – what a partnership.
Were you convinced FC Bayern would make the semi-finals?
I heard Thomas Müller before the match saying: 'A 2-0 win wouldn’t be a footballing wonder of the world.' It’s true, but on the other hand Porto had yet to lose in this season’s Champions League. But they were steamrollered by Bayern in the first half... it was really impressive.
What do you think of the team now compared to the line-up in your day?
FC Bayern have a wonderful team, especially when you consider who didn’t play yesterday – Schweinsteiger, Robben, Martínez, Ribéry, Alaba, Benatia... But comparisons are difficult to make, because times change, as does the game.
You were a crowd hero, and not just due to your record-quick goal against Real Madrid. Are you still popular here?
Oh yes, and not just among the fans. People are happy to see me at the Säbener Strasse. I think it’s great there are still members of staff here from back then. I had four wonderful years here and always feel welcome.
You’re currently U-19 coach at Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Do you enjoy it?
A lot! But it’ll change next year as I’m in the process of obtaining full coaching qualifications and it means joining the first team staff, where I’ll coach the strikers.
Apropos training: Your fellow countryman Arjen Robben is back on the ball, and that has to be good news doesn’t it?
Definitely. Arjen has been superb for FC Bayern this season and I hope he gets fit again quickly for the sake of the team, as it’ll give the coach another option. He’s world class and that always helps you.
How far can FC Bayern go this season?
The league title’s in the bag – something unimaginably bad would have to happen for Bayern not to win it. There’s a good chance in the cup. Everyone’s hoping for the Champions League final, but it won’t be easy and there’s still work to do. But it could be anther wonderful season.
Topics of this article