David Alaba conveniently was slated to appear at Bayern Munich’s pre-game press conference on the eve of their Champions League group stage fixture against the Austrian team RB Salzburg. But instead of the upcoming game against his compatriots, Alaba was asked about the bombshell dropped by Bayern president Herbert Hainer the night before: that FC Bayern was withdrawing its offer for the homegrown star.
Alaba maintained that he himself heard about the retraction of Bayern’s offer from the news:
“Disappointed is the word for it,” Alaba said. “I learned about it yesterday in the news. It was a special situation. What happens next remains to be seen. I haven’t thought it over yet.”
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“Internal matters should remain internal. Presenting my person in public in this way does not correspond to the truth,” Alaba continued. “I was disappointed and hurt that the salary demands [attributed to Alaba in the press] were not officially denied.”
Alaba declined to comment on any potential new clubs he may be targeting: “I’ve said that I’m happy to be here. I still have not yet thought about my future. Bayern was always my first contact. I haven’t contacted any other clubs.”
Herbert Hainer’s ultimatum — despite the fact that Hasan Salihamidzic denied three weeks ago that Bayern would set one — apparently caught Alaba by surprise. “I didn’t know how they would act. I can’t constantly think about it with our full schedule,” he said.
Fans have overwhelmingly been supportive of the club and critical of Alaba in light of the negotiations. Alaba acknowledged that: “I can relate [to the fans] and can understand that. I have a different perspective, however.”
Alaba continued, “I’m very happy to play for Bayern I feel very comfortable and am happy to be a part of this team. I don’t know what will happen next. I have not been contacted by the officials.”
TZ astutely notes that Bayern could have planned the surprise announcement well in advance: it is certainly a curious coincidence that on the very day after Hainer’s announcement that Alaba has to face the press and their now inevitable questions.
