October 20
From Sending-Off to a Staggering Salary
Amidst discussions surrounding an exceptional talent who deserves to be nurtured—and a potential new contract that could make him one of the highest-paid players at Bayern Munich—Michael Olise has firmly taken center stage. German football legend Lothar Matthäus has sent a clear message to the Bavarian club’s management, urging them not to overreact to the French star’s recent sending-off, but rather to act swiftly to secure his long-term future at the club.
Matthäus, 65, did more than just defend Olise following his red card during a match in Norway; he went a step further, advocating for a contract extension that could see the player’s earnings reach as much as 47 million—a move he views as a vital investment to retain one of the team’s brightest stars.
Lothar Matthäus has come to the defense of Michael Olise, acknowledging that the French star made an avoidable mistake, while emphasizing that this incident should not overshadow the significant technical value he brings to Bayern Munich. The German football legend stated: "Olise is a world-class player, but he made a mistake—one that shouldn't have happened, especially at his age."
Matthäus pointed to the player's performance against RB Leipzig, noting that despite being on the receiving end of several heavy challenges in the first half, Olise remained focused and did not let the pressure affect his game. "Did you see what he did on the pitch? He was tackled hard four or five times in the first half, yet he never lost his focus or backed down. I believe he has learned his lesson."
Matthäus believes that Olise’s absence could noticeably impact Bayern’s attacking potency, suggesting that his presence might have altered the outcome of the match in which he was sent off. "The match in Norway might well have ended 5-2 in Bayern’s favor had Olise been on the pitch. As for the club—why should they impose a financial fine now? I think a more appropriate sanction would be to leave him out of the squad against Arsenal."
Matthäus’s defense extended beyond the technical side; he also touched upon Olise’s personality, noting that the player prefers to focus solely on football while steering clear of the spotlight and media pressure. In this context, he remarked: "He just wants to play football; he doesn’t want to talk to you or to me. He seeks peace and quiet—he has no interest in wearing traditional Bavarian attire, preferring his own cap instead. Let him be himself; we will enjoy what he brings to the pitch, and there will be plenty of stories worth telling."
Expressing his admiration for the French star’s abilities, he added: "I’m delighted when he displays his magic on the field, leaving me to wonder what he’ll do next. To me, that is the very essence of football—I absolutely love it." Matthäus noted that Olise had faced criticism for his conduct—including public remarks from his own coach—but in the match against Leipzig, he demonstrated his capacity to overcome such pressure and continue delivering high-level performances.
Concluding his defense of the player, he pointed out how difficult it is to stop exceptionally gifted individuals, drawing a parallel to the legendary Argentine, Diego Maradona. "He had to endure what was thrown at him in previous matches, but this time he didn’t hold back—perhaps because he now truly grasps the scale of his own talent. It’s reminiscent of the situation with Diego Maradona; it was nearly impossible to stop players of that caliber through fair, legal means. Olise isn’t just a good player—he is an extraordinary one."
Matthäus’s stance went beyond simply urging a measured approach toward Olise following his sending-off; he also called on the Bayern Munich management to act swiftly to extend the player’s contract, asserting that his recent performances warrant a salary significantly higher than what he currently earns. Matthäus stated: "If we look at Olise’s performance over the last year and a half and compare his salary to his current market value, he is worth nearly four times what he is earning now. We are talking about a figure in the range of 45 to 47 million."
The Bayern Munich legend emphasized the importance of extending the contracts of both Harry Kane and Olise, noting that the pair serves as a cornerstone of the club’s sporting project for the coming years, given their ability to make a difference on the pitch and represent the team on a global stage.
He explained: "Kane’s contract should be extended, and the same goes for Olise’s. These two players are game-changers; they are the face of the club and its ambassadors."
Regarding the French star specifically, he added: "His market value has more than tripled, so I would move to extend his contract immediately—aiming to keep him for at least another two or three years."
Matthäus believes that extending Olise’s contract would not only secure his continued presence on the pitch but also provide Bayern Munich with a significant bargaining advantage should the player decide to leave in the future; a longer contract would help the club command a higher transfer fee.
He remarked: "I would add another ten million to his salary. Even if he doesn't stay until the end of the contract, the club would be in a position to secure a substantial transfer fee, as a longer-term deal grants the club a stronger negotiating stance. It would be an excellent move for Bayern Munich, and I believe Olise would be happy with it as well." Responding to potential criticism of his financial proposal, Matthäus made a sarcastic remark about Uli Hoeneß—Bayern Munich’s honorary president, who is known for his keen focus on the club’s finances. "Uli Hoeneß might say that I don’t understand anything about numbers," Matthäus said. "I think everyone has already realized that I don’t understand anything about numbers! But I know what I’m talking about, and I know what other players earn."
Matthäus concluded by emphasizing how difficult it would be to replace Olise, noting that his absence would only further highlight the extent of his impact on the team’s performance—all as Bayern Munich fans look ahead to the club’s upcoming European clash against Arsenal.
Between the need to move past the recent sending-off and the push to secure his future with a new contract, Matthäus’s message is clear: retaining Olise is not merely a tactical decision, but an investment in one of the most exceptional talents capable of making a decisive difference for Bayern Munich.
