FC Bayern is at the center of public debate like almost no other club in German soccer. Whether it’s criticism from experts, transfer rumours or speculation about possible changes – the record champions are the subject of almost daily reports. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has now explained how the club deals with this constant media presence
In the OMR podcast, the Bayern boss spoke about the role of experts in the media as well as how the club deals with transfer rumors and so-called „leaks“
Former players such as Lothar Matthäus and Dietmar Hamann in particular regularly express criticism of the record champions‘ decisions. This constant scrutiny is not always pleasant for many managers in Munich. However, Dreesen also sees it as confirmation of the club’s importance. „I think that’s part of our business to a certain extent,“ explained the Bayern boss
As the biggest club in Germany, FC Bayern is automatically more in the public eye and every sporting or personnel decision is discussed with corresponding intensity
Dreesen even sees this as a positive effect, as the public debate is ultimately a sign of the club’s relevance. „It would be bad if nobody talked about FC Bayern anymore, because then we would be irrelevant.“
Especially in an industry that thrives on attention, media presence is a decisive factor for a club’s appeal
„They are part of the business“
Dreesen can certainly understand why Honorary President Uli Hoeneß occasionally comments on criticism in a much more emotional way, as Hoeneß shares a common past in soccer with many experts
Players such as Matthäus and Hamann were once part of the Bayern family themselves. Criticism from former companions is therefore often perceived more intensely. In principle, however, Dreesen sees no reason to get upset about any criticism. Discussions and opinions are a normal part of the soccer business. „Of course we like some more than others, but at the end of the day they are part of the business.“
In addition to expert opinions, transfer rumors are a constant companion of FC Bayern, with names of potential new arrivals regularly appearing in the media and on social networks – often spread by well-known transfer insiders
However, according to Dreesen, there are no deliberate leaks of information from the club itself. When asked whether Bayern deliberately passes on information to transfer journalists in order to put players in the shop window or influence transfers, the CEO answered clearly: „No, we don’t do that.“
The record champions are deliberately not pursuing a strategy of exerting pressure on negotiations via the media or deliberately spreading transfer rumors
Instead, Dreesen believes that the driving force behind many rumours is primarily player consultants, who use media contacts to generate attention for their clients. „For consultants, this is part of the toolkit,“ explained the Bayern boss
By spreading rumours about alleged interested parties, the market value of a player can increase or additional demand can arise. FC Bayern itself deliberately stays out of such strategies. According to Dreesen, the club would lose its independence as a result. „If you get into bed with such transfer insiders, it’s not so easy to get out of it.“