Hitzfeld's Legacy
May 11, 2008
Bayern were confirmed as champions last Sunday after their 0-0 draw at VfL Wolfsburg gave them the one point they needed to claim the title. They confirmed their championship win in style on Saturday in the hard-fought 3-2 win away to MSV Duisburg.
Hitzfeld, who is leaving to coach the Swiss national side, will hand over control to Klinsmann, who guided Germany to third at the 2006 World Cup, when he takes over as head coach on July 1.
Championship maestro Hitzfeld talks of pressure
"It's been a unique season, because expectations were so high," said Hitzfeld after the club spent 69 million euros ($100 million) last summer to recruit a league-winning side. "The club spent heavily, so the pressure was immense, but winning the league makes it all worthwhile.
"I'm delighted for the club, because we're back to where we belong as number one in Germany. And I'm also pleased I'll be handing Juergen Klinsmann a great team," said Hitzfeld. "This team is capable of mixing it right at the top again next season."
General Manager Uli Hoeness has promised a big party when the season ends on May 17 with Bayern hosting Hertha Berlin at Munich's Allianz Arena and the celebrations at winning their 21st crown as German champions can begin.
UEFA exit the only low point
After the bitter disappointment of last week's UEFA Cup exit in St Petersburg when they were hammered 4-0, Bayern picked up the precious point they needed in Wolfsburg missing several of their first-choice team.
"It's been a fantastic season," said Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "The team has achieved great things and we're very satisfied."
Bayern splashed out last summer by recruiting the likes of Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni, French midfielder Franck Ribery and Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
The team has won the German Cup, German League Cup and now the Bundesliga title this season -- only the UEFA Cup eluded them.
"I think Bayern deserve the title," said club president Franz Beckenbauer. "They've led the league since the opening day, and that doesn't happen very often. A lot of money was spent on new players, but it's paid off, thank the Lord!"