Ralf Rangnick’s cancellation came as a surprise to many – including those responsible at FC Bayern. The coach now explains that Uli Hoeneß’s public statements about Thomas Tuchel had no influence on his decision.
The Bayern bosses seemed to be very far along in the negotiations with Ralf Rangnick, it was even said that only details still needed to be clarified. Then the 65-year-old surprisingly cancelled and declared that he would prefer to remain as Austria’s national coach.
Many could not explain the sudden cancellation. The suspicion arose that FCB’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß could have scared off the coaching candidate Rangnick with his critical public statements about Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.
However, Rangnick has now contradicted this in an interview with kicker: „I have had a very friendly relationship with Uli Hoeneß for a long time,“ said Rangnick: „Contrary to some media reports, his public statements had no influence on my decision to stay with the ÖFB.“
Hoeneß gave Tuchel a telling off
While the talks with Rangnick were ongoing, Hoeneß had publicly told Tuchel off at a conference organised by the FAZ. He accused the coach of not believing that he could improve young talent. As soon as things don’t go as planned, Tuchel demands new signings.
„He has a different attitude. He doesn’t think he can improve a Davies, Pavlovic or Musiala. If it doesn’t work out, you should buy someone else,“ said the Bayern patriarch.
Hoeneß made it clear that he himself has a different view to the one he is imputing to the coach: „I think you should work hard on them and give them self-confidence.“
Tuchel had felt his „coaching honour had been wounded“ after the statements. „That’s so far off the mark, I don’t even know how to respond,“ said the coach in response to Hoeneß‘ attack.