The door appears open for Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt to return to Bayern Munich after many of the club's notable figures spoke favorably about him.
The club physician bizarrely resigned from his position, after almost four decades at the club, following defeat to Porto in the first leg of Bayern's Champions League last-16 tie. The 72-year-old felt his team had been "made responsible for the defeat (to Porto) for inexplicable reasons," sport1.de reported.
But after a 6-1 win back at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night secured a 7-4 aggregate success, the noises coming out of Bayern were far more conciliatory. Sporting director Matthias Sammer told Sky Deutchland: "Everyone knows we have a fantastic relationship with Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt. Personally, as a player I always backed him, we have a wonderful relationship - and that will always remain so."
Asked about a possible return for the respected doctor, Sammer added: "Everything else is the future, I can not properly answer now." Winger Arjen Robben said he will continue to consult "the best doctor there is" while chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed: "I was on the phone with Muller-Wohlfahrt yesterday. It was a good conversation."
"We have a high regard for him, both professionally and personally. He is a prominent personality and is always an important part of the Bavarian family."
Rummenigge's brother Michael added: "In the story of Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt there is much more to come to terms with. I hope everyone pulls together again to get the doc and Bayern back together. That would be the best solution." Regarding the second leg against Porto, delighted coach Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who scored the opening goal, and defender Holger Badstuber. Both players have recently returned from long-term injuries.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice with Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso also on target. In comments reported by Bild from his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "I am happy to coach these players. Thiago is a fighter. He always thinks of everything and is not afraid. I am very pleased with him, the same with Badstuber."
Guardiola would not express a preference for any opponent in the last four and said simply: "The six teams left in it are super powers, there are just great clubs and players."
