Uli Hoeness blames ‘ridiculous’ Nations League break for Bayern Munich losing rhythm

Uli Hoeness has criticised the timing of the latest international break and the expanded 48-team World Cup, saying Bayern Munich were inevitably affected by the disruption to their season.

The honorary Bayern Munich president told German newspaper Bild: “We suffer the most from the long World Cup. Our players returned late, and then the Bundesliga started on 25 August.”

Hoeness also questioned the decision by UEFA to schedule a two-week international window only four weeks after the domestic campaign had begun.

“I think it is a disaster on UEFA’s part to organise a two-week break after only four weeks of the season,” he said. “Eighteen players travelled from our squad, so it is perfectly normal that we lost our rhythm.”

Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw by Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, having conceded the fastest goal in the competition’s history.

Manuel Neuer failed to control a pass correctly from the kick-off, allowing Robin Fellhauer to take possession and score after only eight seconds.

The error prompted discussion over whether the match could mark the end of Neuer’s career, but Hoeness dismissed that suggestion.

“No, not at all,” he said. “Everyone has the right to make a mistake from time to time.”

Hoeness also rejected criticism surrounding Joshua Kimmich, describing the debate about the midfielder as “completely ridiculous”.

“The players who are being hyped now first need to become regular starters at their clubs,” added the Bayern Munich figure.

Hoeness said clubs should take a stronger position because they continue to pay the players’ wages while international teams benefit from their availability.

“Clubs have to defend themselves because we are the ones who pay the players’ salaries, not their national teams,” he said. “And all of that is for a ridiculous competition like the Nations League. It is the joke of the year.”