On Wednesday from 19 p.m., the future of TSV 1860 will be discussed in the cinema at Sendlinger Tor. Investor Hasan Ismaik was announced as the star guest.
Munich – And in addition to plenty of lion celebrities, Bavaria's FDP leader Martin Hagen. The passionate sixty fan spoke to our newspaper about his expectations for this event.
Mr. Hagen, is the evening with Ismaik a must for you as a Löwen fan? Or more than FDP politicians in the election campaign?
An appointment as a Lion fan. The organizer invited me – knowing that I have a different position on many club policy issues. At that time, it was not yet clear that Hasan Ismaik was coming. However, a few Lion legends like Petar Radenkovic had already confirmed. I don't want to miss this opportunity to get to know them.
Martin Hagen: "I don't believe in camp thinking"
The event polarizes. To put it bluntly: Whoever is in is an investor opponent for Ismaik's policy of big promises, whoever stays out. Where do you stand?
I believe that it is always better to talk to each other than about each other – which is also one reason why I am taking part in this panel discussion. But I will also talk to the fans who are planning a protest rally in front of the cinema. My personal stance is that there has been no alternative to the consolidation course since 2017. It goes without saying that you always have to have the ambition to make progress in sports and business – but not through unrealistic promises.
+Lion fan: FDP politician Martin Hagen.
© Private
With this attitude, you may have to endure some headwinds in the discussion.
As a politician, I'm used to headwinds. And there's no point in always talking to people who have the same opinion anyway. It is important to at least try to convince other people – and vice versa, to be open to their arguments. At the end of the day, it's all about football, about a passion that unites us. We are not negotiating the major issues of global politics.
Aren't you worried that you will be co-opted and sorted into the Ismaik camp?
No. It is well known in fan circles that I have a good relationship with the executive committee and the board of directors of the club. But I don't believe in camp thinking. Everyone who cares about 1860 should pull together so that they can be successful together.
TSV 1860: Budget shrinks – Ismaik only communicates with e.V. via social media
Ismaik's appearance has attracted hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters. Are you afraid that the event will get out of hand?
Our fan scene has usually been very disciplined in recent years. I am confident that all participants are reasonable enough not to let the whole thing escalate. You just say your opinion – that has to be allowed.
Suppose you are given the opportunity to enter into a direct dialogue with Ismaik, what would you ask him?
First of all, I think it's good that Mr. Ismaik is coming to Munich and attending this event. I would like to ask him why he does not take the opportunity to meet with the representatives of the e.V. I assume that as an investor he is interested in advancing TSV 1860. Then the most obvious thing to do is to sit down at a table with your co-partner. Communicating only through the press doesn't help anyone.
+Lion investor: Hasan Ismaik.
© Andreas Gebert
In general, Ismaik's behavior raises questions. As things stand, the budget for the third-division team is shrinking by two million euros. It's hard to think of a climb – which can't be in his interest. What strategy do you suspect is behind his policies?
I can't judge that. Last year, the squad was decided early on, there were reliable financing commitments and peace behind the scenes – at least nothing to the contrary has leaked out. Even if it was unfortunately not enough for promotion in the end - you should build on this way of working.
TSV 1860: Martin Hagen as mediator between e.V. and Ismaik?
The club has been deeply divided for twelve years, and it feels like the rifts are getting deeper and deeper. Do you have any idea how the club could be reunited?
Not really. When the team was top of the table after the tenth matchday, there was no sign of a split. If we had been promoted, all the players would have taken up the cause of this success. Instead, we ended up in eighth place – and now you can read recriminations again in newspaper interviews. But everyone is in the same boat.
The solution could be a mediator, a bridge builder. Wouldn't that be a task for you as an experienced politician?
I've never met Hasan Ismaik, so I don't see myself in a position to build any bridges. In principle, however, the idea is good. Anything that helps 1860 is good. When I meet Mr. Ismaik on Wednesday, I am happy to offer him to arrange a meeting with Robert Reisinger. If necessary, the same evening. The bar at Mandarin Oriental is open until 1 a.m. (laughs).
What is the bigger task: the re-entry of the FDP into the Bavarian state parliament? Or the Lions' rise in 2024?
Both are challenging. As far as the re-entry into the state parliament is concerned, I am more confident. According to the latest polls, the FDP is only one percentage point short. Unfortunately, 1860 is missing more at the moment, I'm afraid.
Interview: Uli Kellner