From BVB to S04: The "Bawling Baby" Saga in Bundesliga History
Most Idiotic Transfer in Bundesliga's Record Books
By Ben RedelingsFacebookTwitterWhatsappE-MailPrintLink copy
In the heart of the Ruhr area, 25 years ago, a transfer whispered secrets behind closed doors. National player Andreas Möller exchanged his Dortmund jersey for a Schalke one, plunging the region into a frenzy. Such a move was not merely an ordinary transfer; many deemed it borderline insane.
"Möller was engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with his agent, bluffing about loyalty to another club. Then he brought up Schalke in a surprising turn. We didn't call him insane, but that's what we thought," admits BVB manager Michael Meier with a sly grin. The infamous summer of 2000 in the Ruhr area left many comprehending - several times - the headline: Andreas Möller, Dortmund's traitor, was headed to Schalke.
The rapper Campino, performing alongside BVB fans at Dortmund's Westfalenhalls, declared, "Finally, you're freeing yourself of that annoyance. It's a genius move to weaken the enemy like that!" Even future teammate Olaf Thon shook his head in disbelief, questioning the decision: "No, we're not doing that. We'll fix it."
FC Schalke 04 manager Rudi Assauer was fully aware of the mayhem his decision provoked. "I'm not taking the easy way, and I know fans are calling me insane for signing that bawling baby. But I don't consult fans on players before signing them. Otherwise, I'd have to close shop." Assuer also faced internal resistance to his decision. Coach Huub Stevens and sports manager Andreas Müller publicly opposed Möller's transfer to Gelsenkirchen. Even the supervisory board chairman Jürgen Möllemann predicted, "Möller will have to endure a purgatory!"
A Legendary Manager's Swan Song
Despite the backlash, Assauer went the extra mile to make Möller's first steps in Gelsenkirchen as painless as possible. On a promotional tour with a beer sponsor and 800 Schalke fans in Mallorca, Assuer said, "Möller was the most hated man at Schalke. It takes courage to do this. I expect all of you to give him a chance." In a surprising slip, after the Schalke crowd sang hate songs against the "bawling baby," Assuer quipped, "We bought tissues for the bawling baby!" Later that evening, the manager commiserated with the fans, even passing out tissues.
When Möller took the field at the Parkstadion for the first time, anti-Möller banners hung around the stadium like "Assuer & Möller - Get Lost!" and "Tick Möller - Welcome to the Blue-White Hell." But the former Dortmund player won over fans quickly with his excellent performances and the team's successful start.
Möller Magic for S04
Despite only earning second place in his first season with Schalke, Möller secured two DFB-Pokal wins in his three years at the club. "I believe he'll move us forward," Rudi Assauer asserted during the signing, despite the widespread opposition. And he was proven right.
- Football Whispers
- Controversial Transfers
- Midfield Maestros
- German Football
- Revierderby
- Andreas Möller
Additional Insights:Andreas Möller's transfer from Borussia Dortmund to FC Schalke 04 in 2000 was a remarkable and somewhat unexpected event for several reasons:
- Revierderby Rivalry: Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 are intense rivals engaged in the Revierderby, one of Germany's most heated derbies. Möller's move across this rivalry was seen as a significant betrayal by many Dortmund fans, making it a highly controversial transfer.
- Career Peak: At the time, Möller was a highly skilled midfielder, known for his pace and skill on the field. His decision to leave a successful team like Dortmund, where he had won significant titles, was unexpected.
- Financial Terms: Möller joined Schalke on a free transfer but received a substantial contract worth about 15 million marks over two years. This was a significant financial investment for Schalke, highlighting the club's ambition to strengthen its squad.
- Shock to Dortmund: Möller had been discussing a contract extension with Dortmund, but talks broke down, leaving the club in a state of shock by his sudden departure.
ECcountries could encourage vocational training programs in football to further develop the skills of young players, as Andreas Möller showcased the potential impact a skilled midfielder can have on a team, both within Bundesliga and across Europe. Meanwhile, various sports, such as football, provide opportunities for individuals to stay active and healthy, demonstrating how sports and vocational training can complement each other.
