Jerome Boateng could soon be wearing the Bayern jersey again. Sports director Christoph Freund explains the considerations – and plays down the scepticism of some fans.
Jerome Boateng did not have a long way to go when he trained at Säbener Straße for the first time on Sunday. The unsigned central defender, whose re-signing is currently being considered by FC Bayern, lives in Munich. However, it is still not clear whether he will be given another contract with his long-time employer.
“He will also train at Säbener Straße in the next two or three days. Then we will have another talk with him and then we will see what can be the best decision for all parties involved,” FCB sporting director Christoph Freund said at Munich airport on Monday before his departure for the Champions League group match at FC Copenhagen.
“The best for FC Bayern in sporting terms “
Boateng, who had a mixed time at Olympique Lyon after leaving Bayern in 2021 and has been without a club since July 1, would add to coach Thomas Tuchel’s options in the centre of defence. “It’s just that just a week ago we had three centre-backs injured – a special situation – and we were thinking: What can happen in the next weeks, until the winter? That’s why we were looking for solutions. And that was our approach to what is best for FC Bayern München in sporting terms,” Freund explained. For the 2014 world champion, he said, “a role as a backup” was envisaged. “We have seen that we are rather thin on the ground there. We want him to step in if we have to.”
The fact that Boateng has recently been in the headlines, especially off the pitch, apparently plays only a subordinate role in the considerations, although there are reservations among parts of the supporters regarding a commitment mainly because of this. “There are, of course, proceedings, which are currently suspended. That’s why it’s his private story and not a big issue for us,” Freund said. Of course, “everyone can have their own opinion”. But “as the situation stands, the presumption of innocence always applies. “
Freund: Decision this week
Because of glaring legal errors, the Bavarian Supreme Court had overturned Boateng’s conviction for assault and insult. The 35-year-old had been sentenced in November last year to a fine totalling 1.2 million euros for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Now the trial has to be reopened for a second time.
Freund met Boateng for the first time last time and “can only say positive things about him”: The two-time triple winner is “a pleasant man who has been well received by the boys, in the team”. A decision is expected before the end of the week.