Johannes Thiemann left Alba Berlin for FC Bayern Munich after six years with the capital club, stepping into a new chapter in the Basketball-Bundesliga following a two-year stint in Japan. Sport Bild reported on the forward’s transition, his reasons for choosing Munich, and the challenges he faced playing abroad.
Thiemann Urges Caution After Strong Bayern Munich Start
Bayern Munich opened the Basketball-Bundesliga season with dominant wins over defending champions Alba Berlin, cup winners Brose Bamberg, and EWE Baskets Oldenburg. While some analysts have labeled the current Munich roster the strongest BBL team in history, Thiemann urged caution regarding such superlatives. He noted that only three games have been played and pointed out that Alba Berlin was missing two key players during their 95-61 defeat at the hands of Munich.
Fan Reactions and the Decision to Leave Berlin
Thiemann spent six seasons with Alba Berlin from 2018 to 2024, winning three BBL titles along the way. When his move to Munich was finalized over the summer, the transfer drew mixed reactions from supporters in the capital. While some fans expressed anger, many others reached out to say they understood the decision and would remain supporters of his career. Thiemann acknowledged that a return to Alba was never realistic because he wanted to continue playing in the EuroLeague, the highest level of European club basketball, which current sporting circumstances in Berlin could not match. He added that Munich was the only German club that combined EuroLeague participation with the opportunity to live closer to his family in Upper Franconia.
Cultural Challenges and Lessons Learned in Japan
Prior to joining Bayern Munich, Thiemann played professional basketball in Japan for two seasons, an experience he described as culturally eye-opening but personally demanding. He pointed to a significant language barrier, noting that teammates generally did not speak English, which made it difficult to build close social connections in a society he found somewhat closed. Despite the isolation away from family and friends, Thiemann praised the rigorous work ethic displayed by everyone at his Japanese club, from players to physiotherapists, and said the experience forced him to become more self-reliant.
Bayern Munich Aims for EuroLeague Playoffs
With domestic titles and cup success heavily anticipated in Munich, Thiemann outlined the club’s continental goals for the EuroLeague season. The team aims to secure a finish in the play-in tournament or the playoffs while competing in a field he views as significantly stronger and deeper across the board than in previous years. He emphasized that maintaining 100 percent concentration for a full 40 minutes is essential to avoid heavy defeats, pointing to a 100-76 loss against Fenerbahce Istanbul as an example of what happens when intensity drops.
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