At 17:39 on Saturday afternoon, it was finally time. Captain Manuel Neuer picked up the Bundesliga Meisterschale and handed it to Thomas Müller, who raised the trophy to the Munich sky. “Today we can reward ourselves for the whole year,” the attacker enthused to signal the start of a long and exuberant party.
Not even the 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the final league game of the season could dampen the atmosphere. “The celebrations will definitely go better than our game,” Müller laughed. Jupp Heynckes also quickly found an explanation for his team’s performance. “I’d planned a day off for tomorrow. The players obviously got the date wrong and thought it was today!” the 73-year-old coach joked after he had headed straight into the changing room after the trophy handover to avoid a Weißbierdusche.
The FCB boyband
The same could not be said for his assistant Hermann Gerland as ‘Tiger’ was subjected to the famous celebration, much to the delight of the fans – he even injuring himself in the progress. “I hope it isn’t too bad. I had a score to settle with ‘Tiger’. I’ll cover any medical costs in any case,” grinned culprit Sandro Wagner, before he himself got dressed up to continue the festivities at the Paulaner am Nockherberg brewery.
Here they were joined by distinguished guests such as Minister President of Bavaria Markus Söder, Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter, DFB President Reinhard Grindel, DFL President Reinhard Rauball, DFL CEO Christian Seifert and a number of FCB legends to pay witness to a rather special boyband making their debut.
Prompted by Müller, youth players Meritan Shabani, Franck Evina – who have both signed professional contracts in recent weeks – and Jonathan Meier, who was in a first-team squad for the first time in his career against Stuttgart, stepped up to show their singing talents. However, having a go at Aloe Blacc’s “I need a dollar”, they showed they are definitely better on the ball, but also how good the atmosphere is in the team. A feat that Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praised.
Partying into the early hours
“Six titles in a row isn’t just a record, it’s something unbelievable,” Rummenigge continued, “it’s real class to finish 21 points clear.” After all those present in the decorated hall had filled up on food, it was time to hit the dancefloor. Stoked by hip-hop superstar Wyclef Jean, every FCB player was on their feet, and Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Kingsley Coman were immediately up on stage.
Guests danced, sang and partied into the night. “Today is a great day,” a thrilled Niklas Süle encapsulated. “It’s an unbelievable feeling that you can’t explain,” Alaba added. It is a feeling Bayern have worked for since the start of pre-season. And on Saturday they were finally able to let that out before the record champions get back down to business on Tuesday as they go for one more title.
That comes in a week when Müller & Co. take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Cup final in Berlin looking to cap off the year. “A double and good Champions League campaign would be a great season,” said Rummenigge in hope of yet another night of celebrations in seven days.
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