Jan Einar Aas, the first Norwegian to play in the Bundesliga, reflects on his time at Bayern Munich and comments on the rise of Norwegian football. The 70-year-old former defender gave insights into his career and the current landscape in an interview with Yahoo Sports this week.
Aas moved from Moss in Norway to Munich 47 years ago, a transfer initiated by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß. He was even flown in on a private jet. "I have so many good memories of Munich, so of course I'm friendly!" Aas said. In three seasons until 1982, he played 17 competitive matches for Bayern, winning the Bundesliga twice before moving on to Nottingham Forest.
How was Aas's start in Munich?
His start in Germany was marked by language barriers. Aas had learned German in school but was unprepared for the Bavarian dialect. Upon arrival, Dieter Hoeneß asked him in English and the Swede Norbert Janzon in Swedish. He recalls words like 'Mannschaft' and 'glaub i net' from teammates like Klaus Augenthaler. Despite the initial challenges, he still feels a connection to Munich and FC Bayern. Watching their games on TV still makes him feel like he used to play there.
What does Aas say about Norway's football boom?
Aas views the present as the best era ever for Norwegian footballers. "Me, a pioneer? No," he modestly deflects. He credits the current stars for opening the doors themselves. The depth of talent has improved dramatically. "When one player is good, the others improve too," he explains the effect. Aas enjoys watching Erling Haaland but thinks Harry Kane is just as good, just a different type of player.
A particular flagship for him is the club Bodø/Glimt. Aas praises their growing confidence, international experience, and coach Kjetil Knutsen. He specifically highlights Patrick Berg as an intelligent player. "Bodø/Glimt plays naturally with the ball and doesn't just kick it long," is his analysis. In the current standings, Bayern Munich leads the Bundesliga table, while the Norwegian Eliteserien is in its season phase.
Who does Aas support in a Bayern vs. Bodø/Glimt match?
For Aas, playing against Bayern Munich would be one of the toughest tasks possible. He would be surprised and proud if Bodø/Glimt gave Bayern a tough game. Specifically, he wishes for two draws for Bodø/Glimt and Viking so that everyone advances. When asked who he is rooting for, he replies: "Please don't ask me that!" His heart is Norwegian, but he also played for Bayern.
The former pro spends his retirement actively. On the day of the interview, he had played a round of golf and was trimming the hedge in his garden. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, is preparing for its next match, which can be found in the fixtures overview. The Bavarians play their next Bundesliga home game this coming Saturday.
