Hasan Salihamidzic is the new sporting director at FC Bayern. The long-term pro of the German record champions was introduced at a press conference on Monday afternoon. FC Bayern know the Bosnian very well: Between 1998 and 2007, Salihamidzic played 234 Bundesliga games and 88 international matches for FCB. The former Bosnia international was also a member of the team that won the Champions League in 2001.
"In Hasan, we have brought a man to FC Bayern who knows the club very well," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, "he is a very hard-working, serious, loyal and very alert person with great integrity and he speaks five languages. His time in Italy means he has a great network that will definitely be very helpful in his job. We have complete confidence that he will be able to do the job as he should do."
"He will be very important"
Salihamidzic will act as a link between coaches, team and the club, "with all the powers he needs," explained Rummenigge. "In addition, he will be responsible for the areas of scouting and the Academy. He will play a very, very important role in football here."
Uli Hoeneß is also impressed by the new sporting director. "We've said for some time that FC Bayern have to find a new way forward. We've got to go back to our roots, make the most of the Academy, and create a good atmosphere between the fans and everybody involved in this club. And who is better placed than Hasan Salihamidzic?," said the president and head of the advisory board. "He knows FC Bayern inside out and has experienced all the highs and lows. We need a man who has the confidence of the players, the board and the fans. We're convinced we've found the man we've been looking for for a long time."
"Have the DNA of FC Bayern"
"I always gave 100 per cent as a player in every training session and every game. That's exactly how I will approach my job as sporting director," said Salihamidzic of his new role. The former pro will be available for players "24 hours, seven days a week" at Säbener Straße. Salihamidzic did not have to think twice when the offer came: "It was clear to me straightaway that's what I wanted to do," said the former midfielder who agreed after a short discussion with his family. "I've always been in contact with lots of members of staff, players and physios. I know all the club structures. I have the DNA of FC Bayern and I'll give my all," said the Bosnian.
FC Bayern has never been a club like any other for Salihamidzic. He joined the record champions as a player in 1998 and went on to win everything that could be won in the following years: Six German league titles, four DFB Cups and the crowning glory of the Champions League and the World Club Cup in 2001. "FC Bayern has been everything to me. I was able to identify with the club 100 per cent and it's the same today," said Salihamidzic who was named an ambassador at the club in February of this year. He accompanied the record champions to the Audi Summer Tour 2017 in that role.
Salihamidzic is optimistic about his future as sporting director at Säbener Straße where he is set to sign a three-year contract. The Bosnian is looking forward to working with the team, which has "reacted very positively" as the former midfielder explained. "I know all the players. We have a sensational squad. We'll get to know each other better and we’ll definitely trust each other. If we all pull in the same direction then we'll achieve great success. I'm ready to go."
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