Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the champions! Following the trophy handover and celebrations at the Allianz Arena, the party continued on Saturday evening at prestigious Munich venue Postpalast – and went on until the small hours of the morning. “Party till you drop, let’s go for it today,” urged Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, “you have to feel real pride when you’ve won the shield!”
Talking of proud, it was first-time champion Sebastian Rode who had the honour of carrying the trophy into the ballroom at eight-thirty at the head of the team. “He wouldn’t let go of it,” grinned captain Philipp Lahm. The evening included top-class music from acts including Jamaican superstar OMI, fine foods such as salmon, watercress soup and beef filet, and a joyous atmosphere. Once the DJ took over at midnight, the players and coach Pep Guardiola abandoned any last remaining inhibitions and took to the dance floor.
Earlier in the evening, Rummenigge sang the praises of the coaching staff and squad. “Seven of our players became world champions last year, and 14 took part in the World Cup. Normally that would leave you dead for a year, you can’t manage the extra yard and your motivation is gone,” commented the 59-year-old, “but what our coach and his team have achieved this year is magnificent. Many, many thanks, dear Pep.”
Winning the title in the light of an injury crisis was a great success, the chairman continued. The Champions League provided nights of footballing magic such as the gala victories in the last 16 and quarter-finals against Donetsk and Porto. Rummenigge also specifically recalled the 3-2 home win over Barcelona in the semi-final return. “I take my hat off to you,” the club chairman said, “this team has wonderful character.”
The gathering included the FCB Women, who won the German championship for the second time in their history this term. “It’s never happened before – we’re celebrating a ‘mixed double’,” observed Rummenigge, “huge credit to the women’s team.” Coach Thomas Wörle and his squad will also appear on Munich Town Hall balcony with their male counterparts on Sunday afternoon.
Proud Bavarian Minister President
The assembled company at the Postpalast included the players’ families, a host of former Bayern Legends, and Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter and Bavarian Minister President Horst Seehofer, who revealed: “The best thing about the office of Minister President is that you get to congratulate FC Bayern on at least one trophy every year. We Bavarians are proud of that!”
Seehofer recalled a trip to see Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, who was given a replica Bayern shirt. “He was more interested in that than in anything else I had to say. The experience proved to me again that FC Bayern is a global brand.” Nevertheless, Seehofer concluded, “this club is still one big family.” And the family is in celebratory mood this weekend!
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