I have followed the debate about the possible introduction of playoffs in the Bundesliga with great interest over the past few days. And quite honestly: also with great pleasure. Finally something seems to be moving that could free us from the boredom at the top of the table that has been going on for years. There are children who are about to start secondary school and have only seen one German champion in their entire lives: FC Bayern. It can’t be like that in the long run. We have to part with certain traditions and be open to new ideas. Because: German football has numerous construction sites that can only be worked on with innovations.
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Above all, there is the question of the attractiveness of the league. This comes from two things: excitement and stars. On point one, a final round with four teams at the end of the season can actually be a solution. Bayern are also vulnerable in a game – and suddenly the title is up for grabs again. In point two, the task is more complex. After all, stars cost money. And the Bundesliga is being overtaken more and more by the English Premier League. So what to do?
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Again, playoffs could help. A final round would arouse enormous viewer interest both nationally and internationally and create marketing opportunities. A couple of games at the end of the season wouldn’t eliminate the economic disadvantage compared to England, but it would be a start. Even more important for me: The 50+1 rule has to go. The thought of investors or club takeovers may not appeal to everyone – but without financiers, German football will no longer play a role in European competitions at some point. The only exception here would be FC Bayern.
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I think it’s remarkable that Munich are facing possible playoffs show open-minded. This proves that even with Germany’s record champions, a certain dominance dilemma has been recognized – even though you are in the most comfortable of all positions. But Oliver Kahn & Co. also know that football has to fight for its social status. For me it is not a matter of course that all stadiums are immediately full again after the corona pandemic. Fans need emotions, competition between teams, thrills. So things that have not been an issue in the master question for years. Playoffs could change that.
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