Munich is preparing for an unusually cool reception as Germany return to the Allianz Arena, with Jürgen Klopp facing Serbia under the weight of a difficult start and long-standing Bayern resentment.
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Klopp’s appointment as Germany coach sparked excitement across much of the country, but Bavaria has been a notable exception. The former Borussia Dortmund manager remains unpopular among many Bayern Munich supporters after leading Dortmund to Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, ending Bayern’s domestic dominance on both occasions.
The rivalry was sharpened by public exchanges between the two clubs during Klopp’s Dortmund spell, which ran from 2008 to 2015. Some Bayern followers were opposed to his selection as national-team coach during the summer, and his first home match in Munich is taking place in that tense atmosphere.
Germany have yet to win under Klopp. His first two fixtures ended in a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands and a 1-0 defeat against Greece, leaving Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Serbia as an early test of his project.
Ticket sales have reflected the unease. By Wednesday evening, around 40,000 seats had been sold, only a little more than half of the Allianz Arena’s capacity. Germany’s recent poor results have contributed, but Klopp’s presence on the bench has also been a factor.
Heini, a Bayern season-ticket holder since 1984, said he had chosen not to attend. “With another coach, I would certainly have gone to the match, but I would rather go to the cinema,” he said. “Klopp has always been cynical and disrespectful towards Bayern. His press conferences with Germany are bizarre and he does not inspire much calm. I am convinced he will fail.”
Bernd, a Bayern member since 1978, decided to buy a ticket but expects little warmth for the coach. “This team needs support,” he said. “Klopp has never been liked in Munich. We will not whistle at him, but I think general indifference will define his evening.”
Germany’s next appointment: Serbia in Munich
Germany host Serbia on Thursday at 20:45 in the Nations League, in their first Allianz Arena outing since Klopp took charge. International matches in Munich have not traditionally produced the loudest atmosphere, and Klopp is unlikely to receive unconditional backing from the stands.
A first victory of his reign would nevertheless change the tone quickly. For now, the former Dortmund coach must find a response on the pitch rather than rely on the support of Bayern’s home crowd.
