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Duisburg (dpa) - Uli Hoeneß has taken up his new role as a TV expert calmly, diplomatically and without verbal frills.
The 69-year-old in a dark blue suit and an open white shirt collar greeted him with a simple “good evening” from the studio of the broadcasting station RTL.
As pompous and pathetic as the introduction of the new specialist was in the opening credits, the long-time Bayern president presented himself in an emphatically casual and relaxed manner.
"A football legend back on the big stage", which is prepared "for a new era" full of "concentrated football competence", put it RTL in the trailer before the World Cup qualifying game of the German national team in Duisburg.
Against Iceland, in Romania on Sunday and against North Macedonia on Wednesday, Hoeneß will analyze the first three qualifying games on the way to the 2022 World Cup for the private broadcaster as a TV expert alongside presenter Florian König.
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Just like Gerhard Delling and Günter Netzer once did, Hoeneß and König met.
After the first impression of the first few minutes, the duo seems to be in harmony and to work.
König only asked about the Corona case in the German national team and the uncertainty over the course of the day about the game (Hoeneß: “They are professionals enough that they can put it away.”), Before national coach Joachim Löw switched on (“Guten Evening in the studio, hello. ”-“ Good evening Jogi ”) and the line-up was analyzed.
And of course the question of who would succeed him in Löw could not be missing.
Hoeneß looked serious and concentrated, he had put his hands on the bar table next to a sheet of paper.
"But anyone who thinks that I am talking everything in ruins is mistaken", Hoeneß, who is known for plain language, had previously announced: He wanted to "constructively and critically" and "if possible also support the international games positively".
At least before kick-off and during the break, he stuck to it.
«You played full throttle from the first minute.
It's really fun to watch, ”he said of the 2-0 half-time lead.
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When looking for Löw's successor, he urged patience before the game.
"I think it's very wise of the DFB and those responsible that they take their time with the decision and that they now do not believe that they are chasing after every trace of any newspaper," said Hoeneß, but did not fail to send a small message to be sent afterwards to the German Football Association.
«We know that one or the other they would like to have is under contract.
That doesn't make things any easier, ”said the long-time Bayern boss - but without saying the name of the current Munich master coach Hansi Flick.
He hoped that the team, especially after the recent 6-0 debacle in Spain, would give Löw the farewell that “the Jogi deserves,” said Hoeneß - and then made a little bon mot when he warned against the Icelanders who are "very strong in physical strength."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210325-99-975013 / 2