Hoeneß exclusive: “We really made Atlético look like fools”

Despite being severely weakened by absences, FC Bayern secured a commanding 2–0 win away at Atlético Madrid. Honorary President Uli Hoeneß speaks exclusively about why this left a lasting impression on him – and how he views Harry Kane’s contract extension.

Actually, Thursday’s phone call was about Harry Kane’s contract extension until 2029, which has Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß very pleased. The Englishman is “worth every euro”, he says. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has sealed the new deal, just as he played a decisive role in the transfer in the summer of 2023. Hoeneß’s credo is that whoever has the best contact with someone within a company – in this case, one of the world’s biggest football clubs – should take charge. This doesn’t take “any of the shine off” other decision-makers.

“I had huge reservations beforehand,” admits the 74-year-old, referring to the absences of Luis Díaz, Ismael Saibari, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry. “It’s always difficult against Atlético; I know how tough they can be. Consequently, I sat in front of the telly before the match feeling very nervous,” says Hoeneß.

“I haven’t seen such a brilliant away performance in years”

Hoeneß was all the more delighted to see what the team delivered there: “I’m absolutely thrilled with our team’s performance in Madrid. Especially in the second half, we really showed Atlético a thing or two in their own stadium,” enthuses Hoeneß, highlighting the enormous running effort put in by the team coached by assistant Aaron Danks. The honorary president’s conclusion: “I haven’t seen such a brilliant away performance in years.”

Led by Ballon d’Or winner Kane, the Munich side did indeed dominate and were deservedly rewarded after the break with goals from Lennart Karl and Konrad Laimer. The Austrian and centre-back Dayot Upamecano, in particular, were in top form and led the way in the absence of several star players. That is another reason why Hoeneß says with satisfaction: “One shouldn’t always just criticise, but also praise.”

Munich’s next match is on Saturday afternoon away at 1. FSV Mainz 05, a side they have often struggled against in the past, though they did manage to come from 0–3 down to win 4–3 there at the end of last season. None of the injured players are returning; Musiala is not expected back until after the upcoming international fixtures, with Diaz set to return shortly afterwards.