Massive relief as Bayern prevail

Pre-season spree
A 0-0 draw at VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday ensured that Bayern cannot be caught at the top of the German table and also allows Hitzfeld to move on to his new job as Switzerland coach with a clear conscience. Having brought in the likes of Marcell Jansen, Miroslav Klose, Luca Toni and Franck Ribéry last summer, Bayern needed titles to justify their substantial pre-season spending spree.

Cup bonus
Indeed, winning their 21st German crown had long been regarded as the least Bayern could expect from the season, with success in the German Cup proving to be a welcome bonus for the Bavarians. "It's been a unique season, because expectations were so high," admitted Hitzfeld. "The club spent heavily, so the pressure was immense, but winning the league makes it all worthwhile."

Zenit disappointment
Failure to progress to the UEFA Cup final, with Bayern losing 5-1 on aggregate to unheralded FC Zenit St. Petersburg, cast a shadow over the celebrations, but Toni took consolation in his first German title. "We're champions, and I'm overjoyed," said the Italian, Bayern's top scorer this season. "After the disappointment in the UEFA Cup, it's party time now. I'm going to enjoy it."

Magath impressed
Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath, who was in charge of Bayern between 2004 and 2007, gave credit to his old club after the game, saying: "I know just how difficult it is to win both the league and the cup." Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness added: "I believe we deserve the title. It's a mark of class when you wrap it up with three games to spare. It gives us something to build on."

Kahn record
Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added that "a lot of money was spent on new players, but it's paid off, thank the Lord". Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, meanwhile, can retire satisfied, despite not playing at Wolfsburg through injury. Bayern's latest success saw him equal former team-mate Mehmet Scholl's Bundesliga record of eight league titles.

Klinsmann's inheritance
Having now won seven league titles of his own with BV Borussia Dortmund and Bayern, Hitzfeld was understandably proud of his legacy as he looked forward to handing the reins to his successor Jürgen Klinsmann this summer. "I'm also pleased I'll be handing Jürgen Klinsmann a great team," he said. "This team is capable of mixing it right at the top again next season."