The Contentious Transfer of Andreas Möller: A Turning Point in Bundesliga History
Most Idiotic Transfer Ever Made Within Bundesliga History
By Ben Redelings
Twenty-five years ago, the Ruhr region was in an uproar. The signing of national team player Andreas Möller by local rivals FC Schalke 04 sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga. A move that caused quite the stir, with many rivals and fans questioning former Schalke manager Rudi Assauer's sanity.
"Möller was pulling a fast one with his agent, trying to yank more money out of Dortmund. Then, out of nowhere, he announced he wanted to join Schalke," recalls Borussia Dortmund manager Michael Meier with a sly smile. The ensuing uproar was palpable throughout the Ruhr region, making heads turn as the news sank in: Andreas Möller was leaving Borussia Dortmund for Schalke. Indeed, a move that marked a departure from the usual protocol.
Meier's words echoed the sentiments of many across the Bundesliga at the time. Even the "Toten Hosen" singer, Campino, joined in the barrage of jeers at a concert in Dortmund's Westfalenhalls: "Finally, you're getting rid of that jerk! What a brilliant move to weaken the opposing team like that!" Future teammate Olaf Thon reacted with a baffled grin to the announcement of the unexpected transfer: "No, there's no way we're doing that. We have to reverse this."
Of course, Rudi Assauer was well aware of the consequences of his decision: "I'm not going for the easy way out. Many fans will call him a crybaby. But I don't hold a fan poll before signing a player. Otherwise, I'd have to shut down the shop." However, Assauer was not without internal resistance. Coach Huub Stevens and sports manager Andreas Müller are reported to have openly opposed the signing of Möller to Gelsenkirchen at the time. Even former chairman Jürgen Möllemann quipped: "Möller will have to go through purgatory!"
In Möller's defense, the man himself took the transfer surprisingly calmly. He even made a joke during his presentation: "My new favorite word is 'Attack'." Although, it's worth noting, Schalke paid a hefty sum for the transfer - although Rudi Assauer was quick to assure everyone, "Money wasn't the issue."
Despite his efforts, iconic Schalke manager Rudi Assauer couldn't ease the transition for Olaf Thon entirely. On a promotional tour with the beer sponsor and 800 Schalke fans in Mallorca, Assauer declared, "Thon was the most hated man on Schalke. It takes guts to do that. I expect all of you who are Schalke fans to give him a fair chance!" Despite this, Schalke fans later that evening sang hateful songs against the "crybaby," to which Assauer retorted humorously, "We bought Tempo tissues for the crybaby!" Later that night, the manager joined in the singing and even distributed tissues to the Schalke fans. Taking a stand indeed!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, when Thon made his debut at the Parkstadion, he was met with signs like "Assauer & Thon - piss off!" and "Zecke Thon - welcome to the blue-white hell." But to everyone's surprise, the former Dortmund player quickly won over the Schalke fans with his impressive performances and the team's excellent start.
In the end, despite the initial uproar, the transfer of Möller proved to be a success for both Schalke and Möller. Together with Jörg Böhme, Radoslav Látal, and Jiří Němec, the former German national player formed an exceptional midfield quartet that ensured that FC Schalke 04 not only played well but also football captivatingly.
Although Schalke could not claim the championship, Möller won the DFB-Pokal twice in his three years at Schalke. "I'm convinced that he'll bring us forward," Rudi Assauer had asserted when Möller was signed, despite all the resistance. And, in the end, he was proven right.
Ben Redelings, a bestselling author and comedian from the Ruhr region, has just released an updated and expanded edition of his latest book, "A Goal Would Do the Game Good. The Ultimate Book of Football Truths". You can find more information on his website, www.scudetto.de.
EC countries could consider implementing vocational training programs in sports, like football, to develop talented players earlier and enhance their skills. For instance, Andreas Möller, a former national team player, showcased his exceptional midfield moves in the Bundesliga after receiving vocational training.
