Being Bastian... (A Bayern Munich Story)

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16th August 2009...

16th August 2009 -- continued.

Morning training (I say training, it was more of a warm-down to be honest) came and went in a blur -- if I’m truthful, I was more interested in the upcoming events of this afternoon.

However, I do remember the players were a little downbeat after yesterday’s draw, but the news of Hamsik’s imminent arrival certainly improved the mood within the camp. It is apparent that the young Slovakian enjoys a growing reputation thoughout the footballing world and we are delighted he will be plying his trade with us from now on.

*​

With our session complete, the players showered and then left for home -- adequate recuperation is key to their long term success. In my book, a full day’s training the day after a match should not be encouraged.

I remained at the training ground. I was eager to introduce myself to our new player and wanted to wish him luck with his medical. In my opinion, good first impressions are vital -- and lay strong foundations for any new relationship.

*​

“Welcome to Bayern,” I said, holding out my hand.

Marek can not speak German (and I don’t speak Slovak) so our opening pleasantries were reliant on the honesty of his interpreter.

“Come on,” Christian urged Marek, “Follow me. The doctor is waiting for you.”

*​

An hour later…

“All done,” Christian announced with a huge grin, “He passed with flying colours.”

“Great,” I replied, “He’ll be a fantastic addition to the team.”

“And hopefully not the last,” Christian added, “I should hear back from Köln regarding Podolski in the next day or two.”

"Good," I thought, as I left for home in jovial mood -- tomorrow, Marek will be unveiled to the press.

***​
 
Come On Carine...no breaks allowed :P
Waiting for the updates...
Great Story...and waiting for the win in the next game..
 
17th August 2009...

Midge said:
good signing! podolskiwould be a great buy too!
Click to expand...

Mostar said:
Come On Carine...no breaks allowed :P
Waiting for the updates...
Great Story...and waiting for the win in the next game..
Click to expand...

Cheers for following guys :)

***​

17th August 2009.

I didn’t take training today. Instead, I left team matters in the trusted hands of my assistant and our team of coaches.

I had to prepare for this afternoon’s ‘unveiling’ of Marek Hamsik at the Allianz-Arena.

Christian will not be attending the press-conference -- with the closure of the current transfer-window looming, time is not his favoured friend at the moment.

I spent the morning with Marek and his interpreter and showed them around the training ground, stadium and other places of note.

We entered the stadium via the park that leads from the south-side subway. The park is a unique combination of mans creativity and natures beauty -- designed to disentangle, relax and guide visitors to the stadium’s entrance. It is beautiful at any time of the year and Marek (in the same manner as those who've walked the winding paths before him) seemed mesmerised by its wonders.

*​

The ‘unveiling’.

Marek’s unveiling passed without incident -- he spoke, via his interpreter, of his love for his previous club. I can understand his sadness at leaving San Paolo -- Napoli are a great club with a rich history and high ambitions.

“I look forward to establishing myself at this great club, but I can’t deny I left Napoli with a heavy heart,” he said -- his tear-ducts twitching, “But Bayern is my home now and I will do everything in my power to bring domestic and European success to this club. I hope that my efforts will be appreciated by the fans and that I can enjoy a good relationship with them, as I did with the fans of Napoli.”

Half-an-hour later, we led the media out onto the pitch -- it was time for Marek to show off his skills in front of the cameras. The media fought amongst themselves for the best possible angles as the player wowed them with a fine repertoire of ball-juggling tricks and fancy flicks. For a moment, he reminded me of a performing circus animal -- well-drilled in his art-form; basking in the attentions of his awe-struck audience.

“He looks a good player,” Franz said with a smile, “Christian told me he was your choice. Well done Bastian.”

*​

Evening.

I received a call from Christian. Anita wasn’t happy that our dinner had been interrupted -- our time together is less than ever before, but it is more precious than one could ever imagine. Still, she understands I am on twenty-four hour call from now on -- it’s just the way things are now.

“Podolski won’t be coming to Bayern,” Christian sighed, “He rang me himself and told me to stop wasting my time negotiating.”

I was surprised. After all, we are Bayern Munich -- surely every German player would want to play for us? Then again, I am Bayern through and through, and I can’t deny I view this club through rose-tinted glasses on occasions.

“He’s only recently left us,” Christian added, “And he feels a move back to our club would not be best for him or his family. FC Köln are close to Podolski’s heart, and he feels he can help them become a success.”

A feeling of disappointment overwhelmed me -- I’d been looking forward to partnering him with Klose.

“Well, there’s no time to dwell on what might have been,” Christian continued, “I’m going to send you a fax containing the names of my next targets. Don’t be afraid to tell me if you think any of them would be a wasted transfer. After all, money is tight in the current climate and we can't afford to sign a multi-million pound bench-warmer.”

“Okay,” I replied.

“Good,” he continued, “I’m sending it to you now. Let me know your thoughts as soon as possible. Hopefully, if we act quickly, I’ll be able to sign one or two of them before the window shuts.”

"I will," I promised.

He also informed me of Ribéry’s current movements -- the deal is close to completion, but Franck’s agent is holding out for more cash from United. It shouldn’t prove to be a stumbling block, Ferguson’s admiration of the player is obvious for all to see, and the deal is expected to go through in the next three to four days.

*​

The fax.

Slowly, the fax machine beeped into action and methodically carried out it’s business… with each passing moment, a new name appeared on the list.

“Oh my,” I thought, “If we sign any of these players, I’ll be a happy man.”

***​
 
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fuelledbypassion said:
good stuff mate. You've got yourself a new follower!
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Cheers m8 :) Should be an update this evening if all goes to plan :)

---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------

18th August 2009.

I sat in the cafeteria, enjoying my lunch and reading the daily paper…

There is terrible news emanating from Asia -- a strong earthquake has shaken the ocean bed just off southern Japan, triggering a brief tsunami warning across a cluster of tropical islands. In nearby Taiwan, buildings shook under stress from the quake’s strength. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any casualties. My heart goes out to these people, I hope that no one is hurt.

On a lighter note, a thief has been branded ‘dumb’ in New Zealand after leaving his contact details at the site of his crime. I almost cried with laughter -- apparently, this ‘thief’ reserved a copy of Pink Floyd’s The Wall at a record shop in Christchurch, leaving his name and contact details, before robbing the till in full view of four security cameras.

“It won’t take long to crack that case,” I chuckled to myself, amazed at how daft some people can be.

I flipped the page and began to read through The German Federal Election daily update. The Christian Democratic Union look a good bet for one of the available places at the Bundestag. I wouldn’t bet against the Free Democratic Party gaining a place too.

My vote? To be honest, I’ll probably throw all the names in a hat and pull one out -- I’ve never been that interested in politics and its baffling use of my native language.

“What else is happening?” I thought, as I licked the tip of my finger and prepared to flip the page.

Buzz, buzz, buzz…

“Hello,” I said, answering my mobile-phone.

“Hello Bastian,” a friendly voice called down the receiver, “It’s Elsa here.”

Elsa is the club secretary -- a jolly woman in her mid-forties. She has a bubbly personality, an infectious smile and an amazing ability to (as the British colloquial saying goes) talk the ‘hind legs off a donkey’…

Ten minutes (and a complete rundown of her weekend) later, she finally reached the point of her phone-call.

“Herr Beckenbauer is waiting for you in his office.”

“Okay,” I replied, “Thanks for letting me know.”

I’m bound to be late for this meeting, but, on the plus side, I now know where to buy half-price nail polish until the end of the week. If only I needed it.

***​

---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 11:14 PM ----------

18th August 2009 -- Continued.

“Bastian,” Franz said with a smile, “Do you remember the competition I told you about?”

“Yes, vaguely,” I replied.

“Well this is our winner,” he continued, as a pretty young woman swung around in the chair opposite his desk and got to her feet.

“Hello Bastian,” she said, shaking my hand -- her skin as soft as velvet cushions.

She was a fine woman -- 21 at a guess, with black, shoulder-length hair; dark brown eyes behind slim framed glasses; golden skin, and an hourglass figure like that of the dreamiest librarian. Her perfume tingled and tantalised my nostrils. She was a beauty, for sure…

“I guess I got my appointment after all,” she chuckled.

“You know each other?” Franz asked, surprised.

“Not really,” she blushed, “I hung out outside Bastian’s house in the hope of getting an interview for an essay.”

“I remember,” I said -- how could I forget? Beautiful women don’t come running up my drive every morning of the week!

We talked, the three of us, for half-an-hour. Her name is Resi, Resi Fuchs, and she will run a weekly ‘magazine-style’ essay as part of her final journalism examination.

To be honest, after meeting her again, I am eager to work with her -- she seems intelligent and interested in the personalities behind the club. I look forward to her first publication and I’m sure she’ll produce a fascinating, in-depth article -- much better than the ‘which Bayern player has the sexiest legs’ type of trash I often see in magazines about the city.

I took her number and promised to call her when I had time to talk about the club.

“Well,” Franz added, looking at his watch, “We should call time on this meeting.”

He was right -- I had an afternoon training session to take of.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Resi said as she left Franz’s office, thanking us for our time and the ‘amazing opportunity’ the club has afforded her.

“Bastian,” Franz said as I prepared to follow her out of the room, “Half-an-hour a week will do. If truth be told, this ‘opportunity’ is nothing more than a PR stunt on our part.”

“Okay,” I replied, before heading off to training.

***​
 
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nunomiguel said:
Great story mate.

Keep with the good work :D
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Cheers m8 -- thanks for reading and even bigger thanks commenting :) I've got one more small update coming tonight :)

---------- Post added at 01:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 AM ----------

19th August 2009.

Another day and another interrupted lunch…

“Bastian,” Christian called down the phone, “Can you hear me?”

“Yes,” I replied -- the line was breaking up, but I could just about make out his voice.

“You’ll have to forgive the crackling,” he said, “Listen, I’m in London and the signal‘s not great at the moment. The traffics mayhem and I’ve twice forgotten they drive on the left hand side of the road here already -- an elderly couple walking their dog almost had my rental car parked on top of them!”

“Be careful,” I chuckled down the receiver.

“I will,” he laughed, “Anyway, I’ve managed to sign another player…”

“Great,” I called out. I knew who it was -- the fax he sent the other night contained only one name from England, “Some people think he’s a flop, but I’m sure he’ll flourish for us.”

“I’m sure he will too,” Christian added, “I’ve scouted him for over a year now and he fits our bill perfectly. I’ve arranged for our team doctor to travel to England to perform the pre-contract medical -- he arrives later this afternoon. When we return to Germany the deal will be complete.”

“Excellent work,” I replied, overjoyed by the fruits of Christian’s labours.

“Franz is going to arrange a press-conference for tomorrow afternoon. I’ll see you there.”

***​

---------- Post added at 01:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 AM ----------

To those who are following,

Firstly, thank you very much for taking the time to read this story :) And secondly, I will be on holiday from Thursday this week until Tuesday of next week so there will be no updates during this time. I have the basic arc written up until the end of the transfer window, but I'll be packing tomorrow so I won't have much time. I was wondering -- do people want me to try and finish writing and update to the end of the transfer window, or should I just wait until next week?
 
great updates mate. Like the inclusion of New Zealand and certainly wouldn't put doing something that stupid past half the people from here! XD

If you can post up more updates then do it if not no worries for me.. have a good holiday mate :)
 
have a good holiday carine..
just waiting ur updates
greaaaaaaaat story
 
Cheers for comments guys :) I'll try and get one more update done before this evening (if the missus stops going on at me to pack my bag for the morning, lol.)

GCFCconner -- when I was researching news items for that particular day that one cropped up and I just couldn't leave it out :)

Ok guys, I'm not going to get any updates done before I go away -- just too busy this afternoon. Hope to see you all back here next week :)
 
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fuelledbypassion said:
is this story dead? shame if it is because I was really enjoying it
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No mate -- I got stuck away for an extra day due to storms and after eventually getting home I've got a chest infection and head cold from being stuck in the docks whilst soaked through :( I'll post updates when I can look at the screen long enough to write one :)
 
Like for the update coming, not for your sickness <)
 
20th August 2009...

20th August 2009.

Morning training was a breeze -- the players sharp and full of enthusiasm. Of course, it’s not always like this, but when it is my job feels like a dream.

As the session drew to a close for lunch, I handed the reigns to Andries. They’ll be no training for me this afternoon -- I have a player unveiling to attend, and I can hardly wait.

*​

The press sat patiently in their seats as Christian and I waited behind the advertising boards for our call. It seemed like an age had passed, but, eventually, we were summoned to enter the fray.

“Welcome,” Christian said, taking his seat in front of the microphones, “And thank you all for attending today.”

Excitement built in the room -- Christian had pushed this deal through fast and had asked the selling club to remain tight-lipped regarding our purchase, until we’d announced it ourselves. I could feel the journalists anticipation rising as they hung on Christian’s every word -- their fingers itching in readiness for the fierce ‘battle of the cameras’ that would shortly commence.

“Please welcome our new signing…” Christian announced with a beaming smile -- his satisfaction evident for all to see, “Roman Pavlyuchenko.”

The giant Russian striker entered the room -- waving and smiling at the press, before taking a seat in-between Christian and myself.

Strangely, the room wasn’t filled with the usual gasps of amazement and the aforementioned ‘battle’ proved no more intense than ‘handbags at dawn’. There seemed to be a strange feeling in the room -- a feeling of, dare I say it, disappointment, perhaps even bemusement emanating from the disgruntled crowd.

“Roman Pavlyuchenko?” someone sighed.

“We’ve already got numerous options upfront.” the fans representative bemoaned.

“How much was this deal?” another unimpressed member of the press questioned.

“Initially, we will pay a couple of million,” Christian answered, “But the entire deal could cost the club 19.5 million Euros.”

“Whoa! That’s steep!” someone cried out.

“19.5 million Euros on a flop!” another added, “You’ve been had!”

An uneasy silence followed. For once, the press were lost for words; Christian fought against his growing anger; and Roman shuffled uneasy in his seat -- his translator deserting his duties for the moment, perhaps for the best.

“Roman didn’t fail in England.” Christian eventually snapped, “If you research his time there you will find that his goal record was actually quite impressive. Many of his appearances, especially under Mr. Redknapp, have come from the bench, late in the game, but he has still managed to rack up a good goals tally. His record for Russia is also very good.”

I backed up his claims, but my gut-instinct tells me the press are nowhere near satisfied with our latest acquisition. Hopefully, in time, Roman will prove them all wrong -- if his confidence isn’t knocked through his rear-end when he reads tomorrow's sports headlines.

***​
 
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Great update mate, I've been waiting for this for a while. I hope your feeling alright now. I'm not at all surprised that you bought super pav being a spurs fan, I'd love him at man utd actually
 
21st August 2099...

toddzy said:
Like for the update coming, not for your sickness <)
Click to expand...
​


workforthegame said:
Great signing, should work well with Klose. :D
Click to expand...

fuelledbypassion said:
Great update mate, I've been waiting for this for a while. I hope your feeling alright now. I'm not at all surprised that you bought super pav being a spurs fan, I'd love him at man utd actually
Click to expand...

Cheers for comments guys :) Feeling much better thanks (I think all the beer I drank didn't help to be honest.)

***​

21st August 2009.

I spoke with Roman this morning. The papers, as expected, have not been kind (heck, the last time I read headlines that bad I was the subject of their ridicule) and I felt it was imperative to inform him of the club’s confidence in his abilities.

I was surprised by his reaction -- he appeared extremely upbeat. His stint in London may have been difficult at times, but it appears to have toughened his mind. He is focused on his new challenge and wants to repay our faith in him with good performances and plenty of goals.

*​

After training, I spoke on the phone with Christian. He has been busy since yesterday’s press conference, very busy indeed. No one could ever accuse him of not pulling his weight, that’s for sure.

He informed me that Stuttgart and Dortmund have accepted bids for Sami Khedira and Mats Hummels. Terms have almost been negotiated with the players -- there’s still a few contractual issues to sort out and both players will play for their current employers in tomorrow’s Bundesliga fixtures.

It’s not ideal -- they could pick up injuries and scupper the deals, but their clubs are playing hardball with us. I get the feeling they don’t really want to sell, but our offers are too good to refuse.

Unfortunately, we can not demand the players are rested from tomorrow’s games -- until they sign on the dotted line, their clubs still hold the power, and they will dictate whether the players take to the fields or not.

Sami and Mats are great young German talents and I can’t wait for their arrivals at Bayern -- they’ll be here for their medicals the day after tomorrow. Fingers crossed, all goes well…

“Franck’s transfer is moving along nicely too,” Christian added, “He’s agreed terms with United and he’ll be in Manchester tomorrow for his medical. When the papers are signed, I’ll be able to chase up a few other leads.”

Good news, I thought -- no one wants to lose a player of Franck’s talents, but the money generated by his sale will certainly boost our own transfer kitty. There’s still 9 days until the window slams shut and I have complete faith in Christian’s ability to deliver a few more of the names on his list.

***​
 
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