Glenn van den Brink is at work when the phone rings. You can hear the echo in the background - a forklift truck beeping somewhere, metal rolling on concrete. Glenn works in a large warehouse, speaks in a calm, friendly, focused manner, and his thoughts immediately turn to football and his FC Bayern's upcoming game at PSV Eindhoven (Wednesday, 21:00 CET). "There's always time for Bayern" he says with a laugh. His voice is full of energy. Glenn isn't the kind of person who needs to talk himself into a good mood.
For Glenn, a Bayern game in the Netherlands never feels like your classic away game. "When Bayern play here, it's like a home game abroad for me," he says. "I already know in the morning that it's going to be a good day." Glenn is 32 years old, lives in Vianen and belongs to the FC Bayern Holland fan club, which was founded in 2012 and now has over 650 members. A large red and white community in a country that actually thinks in orange.
"Back then, we realised there was no Bayern fan club in the Netherlands," says Glenn. "So we simply founded one. We wanted to help each other, organise tickets, watch games together, and from that, real friendships developed."
Childhood memory that started it all
Glenn's Bayern story begins at an early age. "I was six years old and we would always drive past the Allianz Arena on our holidays. I always said: I want to go there."
This wish turned into curiosity, curiosity turned into passion. Glenn began to watch matches, memorise players' names and eventually lost his heart to FC Bayern. "Bayern is a part of my life," he says calmly. "A club that will stay in my heart forever." It doesn't sound dramatic. It sounds honest.
FC Bayern Holland: organised, interconnected, familiar
The fan club is organised primarily via a large Facebook group, which has become a digital meeting point. Tickets, away trips, meet-ups - everything comes together here. Glenn describes it as a living community. "Fans help fans. It's as simple as that." They are also in contact with fans outside of the Netherlands, for example with German fan clubs such as Red Dynasty. This interaction is important, says Glenn, especially for away trips. "You quickly realise: no matter where you come from, Bayern fans have a similar mentality."
Rituals, identification and a jersey with history
A Bayern matchday is an integral part of Glenn's life. "I watch every game. My weekend isn't complete without Bayern." At home, there's a fixed ritual: A small model of the Allianz Arena, which lights up in red just before kick-off. Scarf and jersey are laid out ready - usually with Thomas Müller's name on the back. "He's my player," says Glenn. "I even have his first jersey from his maiden season. He signed it for me last year." His list of heroes ranges from legends such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry right up to the present day. And that's where Glenn is particularly clear.
Why Pavlović is the perfect symbol for him
When the conversation turns to Aleksandar Pavlović, Glenn's tone changes. He becomes even more focused. "His development speaks for itself," he says. "That's exactly what I want to see. " For Glenn, Pavlović didn't come along by chance. He's an example. "A player from the youth set-up who works to achieve everything, who takes every step and keeps getting better. He never gives up."
Glenn likes this type of footballer. Perhaps also because they reflect something that's important to him: sticking at it, working, developing. He speaks in a similar vein about Dayot Upamecano, who he believes has taken a big step forward under Vincent Kompany. "He's become much more solid. I really hope he signs a contract extension."
Eindhoven perfect for an away game
When Bayern play in Eindhoven, Glenn almost automatically becomes the host. He knows the city inside out. He describes Eindhoven as young, modern and open - characterised by technology, design and the history of a major industrial brand. For travelling Bayern fans, he recommends not reducing the matchday to just the stadium. A relaxed meal at the Rodeo Steakhouse, a beer at 't Lempke, perhaps a stroll along Stratumseind, the longest pub strip in the Netherlands with over 50 bars. "Eindhoven is friendly and safe," says Glenn. "It's easy to strike up a conversation, especially if you're wearing red."
Short distances, stress-free travelling
From an organisational point of view, Eindhoven is also ideal for fans. It's only a 15-minute walk from the central station or Strijp-S station to the Philips Stadium. "It's really easy," says Glenn. "Just follow the crowd." There are car parks, but the train is the more relaxed solution.
As much as Glenn appreciates Eindhoven, his most emotional Bayern moment lies elsewhere. London, 2013, Wembley. "When Robben scored, I had tears in my eyes," he says. "That was the moment that connects us Bayern fans forever." You can tell that this moment is more than just a memory for him. It's a focal point.
Glenn's message to all Bayern fans
At the end of our chat, Glenn is very clear once again. "Take your time in the city, enjoy the day, have a Bavaria and be loud, but fair."
Then he laughs again. "And take the three points home." For him, one thing is certain: Bayern are at home everywhere. Even in Holland.
One of Glenn’s heroes Arjen Robben reveals what to expect against PSV:
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