Paul Breitner in a plain text interview about the corona crisis - "Here comes the K ..."

Corona also determines football. In the tz interview, he explains what Paul Breitner (68) wants from citizens, soccer players and clubs in these difficult times.

Mr. Breitner, what do you expect from society in these difficult times?

Breitner: Importance does nothing in this phase. Everyone should take a step back from this I-I-I behavior! Take a look, this is the best proof that far too many people cannot or do not want to give up their selfishness: There are still enough idiots and crazy people who still celebrate festivals and do not restrict their contacts. The current rules of conduct are completely irrelevant to them! The main thing: I, I, I! The curfew is now the logical consequence. We have developed into a I-I-I country where everyone always wants everything!

What do you mean?

Everyone wants clean electricity with newly developed wind turbines - but nobody wants it on their own doorstep. Everyone wants everything, but beautiful on the doorstep of the neighbor. And we see the same thing now: I want my freedom, the neighbor should stay at home and isolate himself. We have developed into a people with whom the brain is missing from time to time.

"I'm going to do my running lap - as long as I can!"

How did you restrict yourself personally?

I've been at home here for days. My wife goes shopping and otherwise I go for a run through the forest without meeting anyone - as long as I can! Otherwise I act with great respect towards my neighbor. I can't do more, nobody can do more. And everyone should stick to it.

Can your grandchildren still visit grandpa?

This is a good topic that you are addressing. Look: my wife and I are not infected. And I think it is outrageous and disrespectful to say "don't bring your children to grandma and grandpa" anymore. Yes damn it, we also have 40- to 60-year-old grandparents in Germany who are very healthy! A few decades ago, those who say such things have grandmas and grandpas in their heads, which are worn out and broken and therefore susceptible to any illness.

This statement makes sense for grandparents who are susceptible to illness in old age.

"Shear an unspeakable all over one comb"

Yes, of course you have to differentiate. Anyone who belongs to the risk group must be protected - and these are usually people of old age. But again, the grandparents in this age group who are proven to be healthy would now be the ones who could help families in one crucial way: they can take care of parents and grandchildren. This would solve the problems of millions of parents who cannot work due to the closed schools and daycare centers. And for me, such statements are unspeakable. I've been so angry since I heard this dictum for the first time: don't bring grandchildren to grandma and grandpa anymore. You are defamed as a grandparent - as the worst in this time.

You have been involved with the Münchner Tafel until the very end.

These people are currently the worst off. That is why we decided on Monday that our issuing office in Haidhausen would remain open. Each of the helpers said: As long as we can, as long as we are allowed and as long as we have goods, we will help. We have of course changed over and taken all precautionary measures. We are there for our customers as long as possible.

How do people react here?

Our guests are always grateful because we can at least improve and cushion their needy lives a little. The gratitude and joy to see us last Monday was as overwhelming as never before.

It seems banal to talk about the problems of football.

"People no longer want to see all programs about Corona"

That is not banal, football is in the middle of our society. The logical consequence is that football is treated and discussed so excellently. There is no football at a time when the whole population is exaggerated. I don't understand why television games or sports events from the past are not shown a few hours a day. Gradually people no longer want to and can no longer watch all programs about Corona *.

Many football professionals are now trying to act as role models in society.

Everyone has a civil duty to help within their means. I don't think much of the discussions about who has how much to donate or how someone should get involved. Some should finally take it out and not talk so much. Even those who are now announcing how much money they are donating. They should just do it!

Also with solidarity within the Bundesliga?

Think this idea through to the end that we just talked about. Of course, this also applies to organizations, companies and associations.

"Cancellation of EM was the only logical consequence"

What do you say about the EM cancellation?

That was the only logical consequence. And it is also right to do this in a timeframe that is almost tangible. We don't even know how long everything takes. It also bothers me: far too many people want to think at short notice and are putting together the best possible case. No, be realistic! Take a time frame for your decisions that can be possible.

Tell the IOC ...

When I see these irresponsible IOC profile neurotics, I feel sick! They seriously want a high mass of doping in Tokyo in the summer. Are they blind? Don't they know what's going on now? At times when all medical focus is on Covid 19. What do they think is going to happen now, what will we have in Tokyo? Again: a high mass of doping! How can I hold on to such an event just because the Japanese don't give out numbers or they do everything with their numbers to blind the world? To have a reason to stick to these Olympics. Yeah damn it, who needs these games in these times? Nobody!

Uli Hoeneß was first a player, then manager and finally president of FC Bayern. In an interview, he talks about his life after the football business, his legacy and his successors.

World champion and Bayern legend Paul Breitner (67) speaks in a detailed interview about title, coach and level.

* merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.