‘Flick changed our season’: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits coach’s success has taken Bayern Munich by ‘surprise’ as he hails the ‘alchemy’ between boss and star-studded squad after rampant victory over Barcelona
- Hansi Flick has masterminded a complete turnaround at Bayern Munich
- The Germans looked to be coming to the end of a cycle under Niko Kovac
- Since coming in, Flick has brought back a killer mentality and unrivaled success
- He has won the league, DFB Pokal and could yet lift the Champions League
The record-breaking success of Hansi Flick has left everybody at the club surprised by how much has been achieved, Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted.
Flick took over earlier in the campaign following the dismissal of Niko Kovac, and was expecting to only hold the position in an interim capacity until a replacement was found.
But the former Germany assistant manager has excelled where many believed he would not, and has re-instilled a mentality at Bayern which has made them one of the most formidable teams in Europe once more, on the brink of a Champions League final.
Hansi Flick has been a revelation at Bayern Munich and exceeded the expectations of many
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted he did not feel Flick would achieve as much
Following Friday night’s brutal demolition of Barcelona in Lisbon, Rummenigge spoke openly on the shockwaves Flick has sent through the club.
‘The relationship between the coach and the team has an alchemy that I have rarely seen,’ Rummenigge told Sky Italia.
‘Since Flick took over the team, everything has completely changed. It’s impressive.
Bayern have confidence flowing through the team, as shown with their hammering of Barca
‘Bayern had great coaches from [Pep] Guardiola to [Jupp] Heynckes and [Louis} Van Gaal. And they have always tried to offer great football.
‘Then with Kovac, however, things unfortunately did not go well. Flick changed our season. I admit that even we are surprised that he did this well.’
Bayern’s ruthless 8-2 victory over Barca means they are now one knock-out game from reaching the showpiece final.
The Germans will learn their opponents on Saturday night, following the conclusion of Manchester City’s match with French side Lyon.
Flick secured the league title and the DFB Pokal, with players finding him greatly endearing
City are bidding to make their first ever Champions League semi-final, in a match which would see Guardiola face his former club.
Guardiola won a glut of silverware during his time in Bavaria, though was never able to guide the side to European glory.