Bayern's Hoeness unimpressed by Beckham show

Dubai, Jan 7 (DPA) David Beckham's debut for AC Milan in a friendly match in Dubai has left Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness far from impressed.

Hoeness Wednesday likened the match Tuesday against SV Hamburg, in which Beckham played the first 45 minutes, to a Hollywood production.

He said the Dubai Football Challenge match had made him think that 'the difference between Bayern and Milan is that one team plays football and the other makes a film as in Hollywood.

•   E-mail Article
•   Printer Friendly
•   Text-Size    

'

Hoeness said the game before a 30,000 crowd at The Sevens stadium, was 'not a football match but a production.' He would not be involved in anything similar.

'I am employed as a football manager and not to see that Mrs. Beckham has a large apartment in a hotel, which corresponds to her wishes,' he said.

The Italian press were lukewarm on Beckham's debut in a match AC Milan won on 4-3 penalties after the teams finished 1-1 at 90 minutes. The former England captain was unable to make much of an impression but was nevertheless pleased with his first-half outing.

'I am satisfied with my performance. Now I'm a bit tired, but it's normal after all this hard work we did over the past days,' he said.

'I was comfortable in the middle of the pitch. My team mates are extraordinary players, playing with them is very easy.'

Coach Carlo Ancelotti was also pleased and has indicated the 33-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could make his Serie A debut when Milan play Roma on Sunday.

'Beckham played an excellent game, he did what he was asked to do,' he said.

'Certainly it's a bit much to ask for great football when you've only been training for eight days. I am very satisfied with the work done these days.

Beckham has joined Milan on loan from US side LA Galaxy and hopes his stay at the Serie A club could boost his chances of regaining his England place during the MLS close-season.