Rummenigge: Kane doesn t need to practice ten times a week at 32, but an 18-year-old player needs

Rumenig was interviewed on his 70th birthday, talking about his DNA about Bayern Club, his career, the players' path to success, and life outside of football.

How difficult is it to succeed at Bayern as a young player?

"I was nervous at first. You came to Bayern Munich at the age of 18 and suddenly played with guys like Franz Beckenbauer, Gede Muller, Sepp Meyer, Uli Henes, Paul Breitner - I could only look up and ask myself: Where are you? When I came to the metropolitan Munich from Lipstadt, many people said I didn't get playing time there. But I had 28 games in my first year. What was decisive was a key experience in a friendly tournament in Huelva, southern Spain. "

Please talk.

"We ranked last among the four teams, and the atmosphere in the locker room was solemn, and our manager Robert Schwan was furious. Although I didn't play for a minute, I slipped away and didn't come back until the situation calmed down. Schwan scolded me at the time: 'Where did you go just now? You're moving all twelve aluminum suitcases out! 'The other players wanted to help me, but Schwan banned them. That's how young players were educated at the time. The harsh school - but educational. Of course, it can't be like this again today. But it works. "

What impact did this have on you at that time?

" Then I went back to my room, and I was in the same room with Uli, and he said to me, 'Don't take it to heart - he's doing it to all of us. Just keep going with all your might - what he likes you, otherwise he won't target you like this. 'It gave me motivation!' Then I got it, and I wanted to pass this on to our geniuses today: As young players, you have to work hard for everything, which is not always easy - but valuable. "

How difficult is it to balance humility and confidence, especially for young players?

"Detma Cramer asked me to practice more every day. He even called me at 9 o'clock on Sunday: 'We meet at the stadium at 10 o'clock! ' Then the third goalkeeper joined, and there were a few young players, and then technical, technical, technical training. Physical, we can keep up with the old players - but technically we have to catch up. And I want to do it. I have 12 or 13 training units a week, and no one will believe it today. You can't be a coward - but you have to have the absolute will to keep improving yourself. This is the most fundamental. "

What do players need to have to have today to succeed at Bayern?

"No player has finished the product at the age of 18. The guys have to know that. They need to be trained, and Hermann Grand has worked hard for it. I laughed at first when he and David Alaba practice heading. But he is right. Harry Kane doesn't need to train ten times a week at the age of 32 - but an 18-year-old needs it even more. "

If you rely on young players, it takes time.

"Absolutely needed. And at Bayern, the pressure on the coach is huge. He should win the championship, win the Cup, win the Champions League as much as possible - and also enable young players. This is only possible if you support him as a club. And a young team is not built in a season. Van Gaal is a good example. Not an easy personality - but he has the courage to throw players like Badstuber, Alaba or Muller into the cold water. He sent Alaba in the Champions League quarterfinals in Fiorentina, which requires a strong nerve. But it worked: we became champions, cup champions, and reached the Champions League final. So it can be successful with this philosophy - if everyone supports it and says: we go this path. "

What makes you happy today besides football?

"I am still happy for a good football game in Bayern Munich - the condition is that we want to win. But not every victory makes me really happy. Quality is important to me. My old friend Pep Guardiola once said: 'It's not the result that brings quality, but quality that brings results. 'That's true. Off the court, I'm happy for my family. We have five children, now with eight grandchildren, and I enjoyed the time I spent with them. Especially with grandchildren, because as players and later decision makers, I don't always have enough time. My wife Martina makes up for it brilliantly - and I'm making up for it in some way now. "

How much is the passion for football in the family?

"We went to Sylt again in the summer. If the weather cooperates, we always go to the beach to play football or play beach volleyball in the afternoon. Sports is still an important part of my life experience. It is not like before, when you are 70 years old. But you can still move! Health is the most important thing, this is my birthday wish to my family. "

Then what wishes do you have for Bayern Munich?

"I hope we all continue to enjoy the fun of Bayern Munich, this great club. I have been abroad for a long time, so I can tell that this club is extraordinary—and internationally respected. Many people say: This is a lucky European—independence, stability, and unique. This independence is a huge asset. No investor can suddenly withdraw and leave a hole. Everything we have—Sebenna, Allianz Stadium, youth training camps, teams—we are all made and invested in and built by ourselves. This is something that all fans can be proud of. I wish our philosophy will last forever. Bayern Munich is a world-wide role model.