BayernForum.com

14.02.2007

Uli Hoeneß embraced Giovanni Trapattoni, Ottmar Hitzfeld beamed from ear to ear as he chatted to Lothar Matthäus, and Alexander Zickler warmly greeted each and every one of his former team-mates in turn as Tuesday's triangular tournament in Salzburg began to resemble a Bayern "family gathering".

"We were delighted to renew acquaintances with many old friends," coach Hitzfeld remarked after watching his side win the inaugural Bulls Cup. A makeshift Munich XI defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 before overcoming hosts Red Bull Salzburg on penalties in the second 45-minute game. However, on this occasion events on the field were almost overshadowed by the happening off it.

<b>Strong Bavarian presence in Salzburg</b>

The Austrian league leaders boast Trapattoni and Matthäus as joint head coaches, with Oliver Kreuzer as general manager, while former Reds reserve Markus Steinhöfer and veteran Zickler appeared on the field of play. Keeper Timo Ochs and midfielder Remo Meyer both formerly belonged to 1860 Munich, while ex-Bayern men Thomas Linke and Niko Kovac were only prevented from playing by injury.

Nostalgia rolled over the Bulls Arena in a mighty wave as memory upon memory resurfaced for the former comrades. "We took the match seriously, but not deadly seriously," commented Matthäus, a Bayern captain under Hitzfeld.

<b>Zickler fired up</b>

That may have been the official point of view, but Zickler appeared highly committed to beating his former club. The 33-year-old is Austria's leading scorer, "and I was desperate for a goal," he admitted afterwards. "I'm delighted it finally happened in the shoot-out." Zickler's confident drive from the spot brought back memories of a similarly clinical finish for Bayern when they claimed Champions League glory against Valencia in Milan almost six years ago.

The oldie was rated doubtful on the eve of the match, "but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I really enjoyed playing against my former team-mates," the player smiled, basking in complimentary words from his former boss after the match: "He's in very good shape again, and I'm delighted for him."

<b>Next meeting in Europe?</b>

With the TV cameras rolling, Hitzfeld and Trapattoni exchanged words of mutual praise. The "Maestro" made many long-lasting friendships during three years at the Munich helm, and was succeeded by the "General" in the hot seat. "Giovanni is a treasure," Bayern President and Red Bulls consultant Franz Beckenbauer smiled.

Unfortunately, there was no time for "a quick beer" as suggested by Zickler following the event, with the Munich party departing just an hour after the final whistle. "But I often drop in at the Säbener Strasse, so we get to drink a coffee together," the striker grinned, turning his sights and hopes to a bigger prize: "Maybe we'll see each other again this summer - in the Champions League."