Bayern face 'very emotional' game amid Beckenbauer legacy proposals

Bayern Munich are ready for a "very emotional" Bundesliga restart on Friday in the wake of Franz Beckenbauer's death, amid further proposals on how to assure a lasting memory of the Bayern and German football icon.

Former German international Ulf Kirsten has suggested to name the national federation DFB campus after Beckenbauer, and along with Beckenbauer's long-time club and country team-mate Sepp Maier would also welcome a statue of him at Bayern's Allianz Arena.

The stadium will be the centre of attention on Friday when the second part of the Bundesliga season starts with Bayern's game against Hoffenheim, five days after Beckenbauer died at age 78.

"It has a dimension, a scope that you can't grasp. It will be very emotional tomorrow in the stadium and over the next few weeks. We'll be very aware of that tomorrow and next week at the memorial service," Tuchel told reporters on Thursday.

Beckenbauer redefined the sweeper role, won countless titles with Bayern and was their president later, lifted the World Cup as a player and coach, and brought the 2006 World Cup to Germany.

"It's a situation that's tough to come to terms with. He has an incredible life's work. I'm too young to have experienced him as a player," Tuchel said.

"I only met him twice briefly. What was noticeable was his open and friendly manner. You felt you knew him well. He touched people's hearts and reached them emotionally. That was his aura, his character. What he achieved was incredible. He deserves the utmost respect."

A minute silence will be observed before kick-off and players will wear black armbands.

Tuchel said that "at the same time, we're focussing on the game and want to get the year off to a good start with a win" in a bid to draw closer to leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Kirsten, a former Leverkusen player, meanwhile told the t-online portal: "I would consider it a great idea to rename the new DFB campus in Frankfurt to Franz Beckenbauer Academy.

"A stadium with his name would also be a good honour but is not easy these days because of the sponsors."

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld had previously proposed to name the club's stadium after their most famous player.

Kirsten added: "I am sure that the DFB and Bayern will come up with something to honour Franz Beckenbauer in a fitting way," Kirsten said.

The former forward also suggested a statue of Beckenbauer next to that of his late long-time Bayern and Germany team-mate Gerd Müller at the Munich stadium, an idea Maier also likes.

"Franz definitely deserves a statue, he has done so much for German football as a player, coach and official," Maier said in a column for Kicker sports magazine.

Other proposals for a Beckenbauer legacy have included naming the German Cup competition after him.

Bayern will hold a memorial service for Beckenbauer in their stadium on January 19. This weekend, there will be minute silence at all games to commemorate him, and players will wear black armbands.