German top-flight league - Maier goes against Hoeneß: Strange feeling arises with Rangnick
Legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier expressed doubt over Ralf Rangnick's potential success as FC Bayern's coach. He wasn't entirely convinced by Rangnick, who's been sought after by the German record soccer champions. "This saga has gone on for too long. Rangnick wants a lot of power and wants everything to be crystal clear. I have a weird feeling about it," said the 80-year-old on Sport1 on Tuesday.
When queried about his preferred replacement for Thomas Tuchel, Maier responded, "It's not Rangnick. I'd actually try to keep Tuchel. As ridiculous as that may sound."
Tuchel will end his contract early with Bayern at season's end, as was agreed upon weeks ago. With Xabi Alonso (Leverkusen) and Julian Nagelsmann (national team coach) turning down Bayern's offer, Rangnick has become their top candidate due to his lengthy experience in the Bundesliga and his current role as manager of the Austrian national team. He's currently weighing Bayern's offer.
Misguided Criticism
Apart from the search for a new coach, a feud between honorary president Uli Hoeneß and current coach Tuchel has been unresting the soccer world, even in the midst of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Hoeneß accused Tuchel last week of not wanting to nurture young players but seeking new professionals. Tuchel rejected this strongly over the weekend, expressing disappointment at the criticism.
"If that's true, Uli was wrong this time," Maier said. "Tuchel has demonstrated his ability to develop promising players into accomplished ones. So Hoeneß' accusation is a bit misguided." Maier acknowledged Tuchel as a "great and successful coach" with an opportunity to win the Champions League. And if he does so, he'll "show every critic the long nose."
"The players do notice"
However, the multiple German champion and former Bayern goalkeeping coach was taken aback by the timing of Hoeneß' reproach. "Uli occasionally takes a jab. Whether that's good or not is open to interpretation. The timing was certainly difficult to accept. Especially before a match against Real Madrid. Of course, the players notice it and discuss it."
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Source: www.stern.de
