The Allianz Arena is one of the most impressive soccer stadiums in Europe. For FC Bayern players, it’s like their own living room; for many opponents, however, it’s a real challenge. But it’s not just the atmosphere in the stands that commands respect. Former national team player Christoph Kramer has now described in an entertaining way how the German record champions intimidate their guests even before kickoff.
On Tommi Schmitt’s “Copa TS” podcast, the former Gladbach pro shared his personal experiences from away games in Munich.
Even arriving at the stadium is a special experience for visiting players. “When you drive up to the stadium, everything there is so brightly lit that it hurts your eyes,” Kramer said.
The display of FC Bayern’s numerous achievements also leaves a lasting impression. “Everywhere you look, you see the club’s stars, the countless trophies and successes. It’s beautiful and colorful.”
Kramer compares the Bayern locker room to a morgue
But according to Kramer, the real culture shock awaits behind the scenes.
While the Allianz Arena shines from the outside with its modern architecture and impressive lighting, the visitors’ locker room, according to his description, is significantly more austere. “Then you walk into the visitors’ locker room, and in the middle there’s a metal table that might have once held corpses,” joked the 2014 World Cup champion.
For Kramer, however, there is definitely a certain intention behind the locker room’s design. “That’s no coincidence. The visitors’ locker room certainly isn’t tiled in white just for fun. That’s intentional.”
Whether the Munich team actually designed their visitors’ locker room to be as uncomfortable as possible is unproven. In any case, Kramer is convinced that the environment can have a psychological effect.
Bayern stars command respect even during warm-ups
According to Kramer, the impressive spectacle doesn’t stop even after the players leave the locker room.
During warm-ups, opposing players are once again confronted with FC Bayern’s athletic prowess. “Then you head back out for the warm-up, and there are all these LED screens waiting for you featuring Robben, Ribéry, or another Lewandowski—today it’s Musiala and Sané,” reported the former midfielder.
The presentation of the Bayern stars and the club’s rich history can certainly have an impact on the visiting team. “Subconsciously, you feel a little smaller there. That’s the effect it has on you.”
Kramer is describing a psychological factor that is often underestimated in professional soccer.
For many opponents, the Allianz Arena is a difficult away game not only because of Munich’s sporting strength.
According to Kramer, the entire atmosphere surrounding the game can also contribute to the visitors finding themselves in the underdog role even before kickoff.