By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- 2020 treble winners Bayern Munich have drawn a strict line in the unsuccessful negotiations with Austrian fullback David Alaba.
Ahead of Bayern's group duel against RB Salzburg this Tuesday evening, Herbert Hainer announced that the Bavarians had withdrawn their offer containing a five-year contract with a yearly salary up to 18 million euros.
The 56-year-old former head of sport supplier Adidas mentioned the defender's management didn't respond to the club's deadline set for October 31.
Inside reports speak about the club leaders having lost their patience with Alaba's entourage, namely his father George and his agent Pin Zahavi as the monthlong talks didn't come to an end.
Despite the mentioned deadline, Alaba's management expressed surprise about Bayern's actions.
Bayern's leaders might have remembered the turbulence caused by similar cases in 2006 and 2014 when the club's reputation was harmed after rather endless meetings with the midfielders Michael Ballack and Toni Kroos.
Ballack joined Chelsea and Kroos signed a contract with Real Madrid after Bayern wasn't willing to address opulent demands.
To stop talks with Alaba, one of the best fullbacks and central defenders, can be seen as an attempt to regain control.
Hainer emphasized that the club needs to be in charge of its future and start investigating the market to sign a successor.
Many expect the final word hasn't been spoken in the case yet. After coach Hansi Flick praised Alaba as an important player, highly regarded by his teammates, it seems to be the task of the player and his management to make additional efforts to turn things around.
On the other hand, the Austrian-born performer can be convinced to receive offers from other clubs soon. It might be uncertain if top sides such as Barcelona, Real or English sides can afford this size of a transfer.
Alaba might be a bargain at the end of the 2020/2021 season as his contract with the Bavarians is running out, but his salary demands remain a load in uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alaba spoke about his disappointment, having heard "it from the news like everybody else." The 28-year-old said he is happy to be part of a successful team and said he hadn't contacted other clubs.
"I am disappointed that there hasn't been an official statement from the club as the figures spread in public are far from true and other details came to light," Alaba said.
The Austrian added, he hasn't been contacted by the club on an official basis.
Coach Flick said he is far from happy about the turbulences in a week providing essential games. The Champions League encounter against Salzburg is followed by the German Classico against Borussia Dortmund this Saturday evening.
"As a coach, I am happy to have David around as he is an important part of the team, but we need to concentrate on sportive issues," the 55-year-old stated. Enditem