The loudspeakers in the team bus were cranked up to full volume. DJs David Alaba and Rafinha picked all the hits like “We are the Champions” and club anthem “Stern des Südens.” Thomas Müller announced it would be “the best bus trip of the year” before departing, and the players continued the celebration that started on the pitch and in the changing room.
“It just feels great,” a breathless Thiago said after the 2-1 victory away to Bavarian neighbours Ingolstadt, with which FC Bayern rounded off a “historic achievement,” as Robert Lewandowski called it. “To be German champions for the fourth time in a row: it's great!” Javi Martínez agreed: “No team has ever achieved that in the Bundesliga. We're very happy. We've made history!”
Rummenigge's 'massive compliment'
“This title is very special,” Philipp Lahm said. “The record was our big goal before a ball was kicked. The fourth championship in a row, it's good that we've wrapped it up before the last matchday,” the overjoyed Bayern skipper added. Franck Ribéry noted that the visitors first had to earn the right to celebrate: “It was a tough match, especially after Tuesday. But we did so well! The whole team fought superbly.”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was proud of the 26th German championship title and the historic foursome. “I remember the team featuring Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, Gerd Müller. They achieved it three times. Our team is on four now,” the ebullient FCB chairman commented, paying the players and their coach a “massive compliment.”
'All for one and one for all!'
“It's a feeling you can't quite explain,” said Alaba. The eloquent Austria international was nearly lost for words this time: “We're happy and grateful. We want to enjoy these moments and celebrate. We've deserved it.” Martínez agreed: “We have a few days to celebrate now,” and his compatriot Thiago added: “It was an incredible year! Now we'll celebrate it with our families and friends.”
The coach gave green light straightaway: “The players ought to celebrate this title and really enjoy it,” a visibly moved Pep Guardiola ordered, awarding three free days. “The players need it.” But Lahm & Co know that the season is far from over: “We're still excited! We can celebrate a little now. But our goal is to win the double of course.”
Martínez is looking forward to the cup final against Borussia Dortmund on 21 May. “We'll all be focused on the match,” the defender said, promising to return to attack mode after the festivities: “We want to win the double!” Franck Ribéry too wants to “win the final against Dortmund of course,” whereas chairman Rummenigge reminded his players of an evergreen that will hopefully lead the way to success in Berlin: “All for one and one for all!”
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