13:30 pm. Marienplatz Square.
The Celtic fans have become, as one, Munich’s latest tourist attraction.
It’s strange this, but brilliant to experience.
Here we are in a strange land where this is loads to see and we’ve essentially taken over the Square here and now tourists who never expected this when they landed, and locals mesmerised by the spectacle are stopping by and chatting and taking pictures.
We’re the show now, like the little tin band that comes out on the steeple here at noon, playing their instruments.
I can’t even imagine what all these folk around us think but the atmosphere is completely nonthreatening and goodnatured. Bayern fans come and go – many in their colours – and stop to chat and snag the odd beer. They seem to be completely fine with our friendly takeover.
About five minutes ago the cops showed up in a number that suggested they might think there was a problem: there was.
A banner had been hung up on a statue and they wanted it down.
They were cool about it and the lads responsible were too.
They drifted off again at once and retreated to a spot on the edges of the party.
They are keeping an eye on us as the numbers grow but they are being very low key about it.
Our excellent rep goes before us. They don’t expect any hassle.
This is great, siting in the sun with the best fans in the world and talking to tourists and having a beer as I work.
A perusal of the news reveals that Brendan has concerns over Simunovic just as we do and that a defensive signing or two is now our number one priority.
In the news also is Jorg Albertz, apparently determined to give his countrymen a bad name with talking down our league and county and generally being a clown.
Today he is officially the most ignorant German on the planet and the only one I don’t like.