December 20 – Bayern may dominate Munich and Germany, but they are facing challenges. RB Leipzig, backed by Red Bull cash, is now a realistic challenger at the top of the Bundesliga, while locally 1860 Munich are showing signs re-emerging from the shadows thanks to the deep pockets of Jordanian investor Hasan Ismaik.
Runners-up in the 1965 European Cup and Bundesliga champions the following year, 1860 Munich last saw top tier Bundesliga action in 2003/2004 season.
Ismaik wants to change that and last season the club came close. But Ismaik relationship with the club has not always been straightforward. He has complained of not being able to progress the structure as he would like to overcome the culture of under-achievement.
Those issues would seem to be clearing up with Ismaik pledging another €50 million on top of the €10 million loan he has already made. He is suggesting this could even rise to €100 million.
That money will be used to improve the playing squad as well as the club’s facilities. Ismaik was quoted as saying: “1860 doesn’t the structure of a German second league club – but the structure of a Bulgarian third league club.”
His first step to putting the structure right has been the appointment of Portuguese Vitor Pereira as the new coach. His second step will test the colour of his money and will involve bringing in new players.
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