Former Bayern star follows up against ex-coach – "Where we were all no longer clear"

Created: 01/27/2022, 19:08

By: Patrick Mayer

Once together for Bayern: Javi Martinez (left) and Niko Kovac.

© IMAGO / ULMER Press Photo Agency

In November 2019 Niko Kovac has to leave FC Bayern.

A former player criticized the former Munich coach more than two years later.

The coach is currently being discussed for a job in the Bundesliga.

Munich – It was scenes like these in the FC Bayern* training camp in the summer of 2019 in Rottach-Egern am Tegernsee that marked the end of Niko Kovac as coach of the German Bundesliga record champions*.

The Croatian coach had just finished a session when he asked his highly paid and talented staff for an autograph session with the fans on the sidelines.

Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels remained seated in a go-kart and shook their heads, visibly annoyed, when Kovac whistle again to please go over to the supporters.

Niko Kovac: Ex-Bundesliga star had to go as Bayern coach

Finally, a few months later, in November 2019, Niko Kovac – who is currently associated with Gladbach* – had to pack his things on Säbener Straße in Munich* again.

The day before, a completely lifeless Bayern team had lost 1:5 at Eintracht Frankfurt.

The alleged break between the player's cabin and the coach became obvious.

In the video: Niko Kovac to Hertha BSC?

Fredi Bobic doesn't want "to rule out anything"

In an interview with the Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, a former Bayern player followed up against the now 50-year-old coach: Javi Martinez*.

Specifically: The 33-year-old Spaniard, who is now under contract with Qatar SC in the emirate of the same name, criticizes the training methods of the former Bayern coach in retrospect.

"Under Niko Kovac, we always had to ride our bikes for 40 minutes before and after each workout," the Basque explained in a social media chat with Romero on Twich.

As Martinez continued, many professionals from the Bundesliga giants* questioned the said bike units.

"It got to a point where we were all no longer sure whether we were actually preparing for the league or the Tour de France," said Martinez, who left Munich last summer - after nine years the Säbener.

Worked together for FC Bayern between July 2018 and November 2019: Javi Martinez (left) and Niko Kovac.

© IMAGO / Sven Simon

Niko Kovac: Formerly FC Bayern Munich – soon Borussia Mönchengladbach?

Kovac was released at the beginning of January after working for a year and a half at AS Monaco.

Most recently, the

played the name of the Croatian as a possible successor should the Austrian Adi Hütter fail after a week-long sporting descent at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

*