By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- According to rumors the future of the reigning German Champion and 2013 treble winner Bayern Munich will most likely be put in the hands of Oliver Kahn. Media reports speak of the 49-year-old as a possible successor to Bayern's current top management like 63-year-old chairmen Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and 66-year-old president Uli Hoeness, whose contracts terminate at the end of 2019.
What is behind the rumors and do they make sense?
Not only Lothar Matthaeus, Germany's most capped player (150), favours Kahn as the only long-term solution for the future management of the country's most successful club.
Matthaeus is convinced Kahn has the natural authority and enjoys everyone's respect. "He is the face of the club and stands for its DNA. He is a true football expert, has developed as a businessman and has always been extremely ambitious," the 57-year-old commented.
Matthaeus said he is confident Kahn is the ideal solution.
Hardly anybody else personifies Bayern more than Kahn. The former German international not only played 632 games for the Bavarians but won eight league championships, six German cups, the 2001 Champions League and 1996 UEFA Cup.
As a footballer, Kahn stood for a never-say-die attitude. Fans still remember his famous quote "go on go on" demanding that his teammates waste no time despite his team being behind with only a few minutes to play.
But if Bayern goes ahead with the plan, one the Munich based Sueddeutsche newspaper called "serious," the club is not only counting on Kahn's achievements as a footballer but also on his development as a businessman who has been successful with a company producing goalkeeping equipment. He has also graduated with a master's degree in business administration.
Kahn would be ideal to bolster the club's efforts to a major role in the international markets. The three-time World Goalkeeper of the Year and winner of the Golden Ball at the 2002 World Cup has a large fan base in nearly every country and is one of the most admired sportsmen in Asia.
In China, Kahn is well known as a juror of a TV show broadcasted by CCTV ("China looks for the super keeper"). In Germany, Kahn works as a TV pundit analysing games at major tournaments and the German national team.
The 2002 World Cup finalist works as an advisor for the Saudi Arabian football association developing goalkeeper training strategies.
Current rumors indicate he will first take on the job as sports director before becoming the chairman. He could be accompanied by Borussia Moenchengladbach's current sports director Max Eberl, a former Bayern Munich junior.
Friends of the former keeper say he has long been waiting for such an opportunity.
Reports say Kahn has already met Bayern's leaders to discuss a future position. Several meetings have taken place with Hoeness. Some stories comment on a close relationship between the two.
Hoeness recently announced his intention to retire "as soon as the right man turns up". Now the "best choice" seems to have been found.
Not only Bayern's leaders are reported to be happy with their old wayfarer as their new potential incumbent. Kahn's succession would ensure the club's future is in safe hands.
