He was already considered an 80 million flop: Bavaria’s dealings with Alaba have a lot to do with Hernandez
Lucas Hernandez is suddenly the constant on Bayern’s defense. A sale was already an issue behind closed doors. The performance explosion of the 80 million newcomer in 2019 partly explains the actions of the Bayern bosses at David Alaba.
Bank mistake, mistake, transfer flop – the same disparaging slogans were used again and again in relation to Lucas Hernandez. The defender was considered a failure at Bayern early on. An opinion that they apparently shared in FCB circles.
Because there Hernandez is said to have already been dismissed as an “extremely expensive misunderstanding”. A bad investment that should be sold at a high price if possible. The goal: limit the financial damage. At this point in time, Munich was no longer hoping for brilliant sporting deeds. At least some of those responsible.
FC Bayern: Suddenly Hernandez convinces
But that’s exactly what the Frenchman is doing right now, week after week – in the truest sense of the word. Hernandez is not too good for any duel or tackle. To the grief of all greenkeepers, who often find it difficult to hide their tracks.
Of course that’s an exaggeration, but the Frenchman’s game is grueling. And that’s exactly what they now appreciate in Munich. “He’s a real fighter,” said FCB coach Hansi Flick recently, adding: “His attitude is amazing.”
Why Hernandez is so critical in Alaba poker
The 24-year-old’s amazing change is not only significant for the record champions from a sporting point of view. Hernandez also gives his bosses a comfortable situation off the pitch. Because in contract poker with David Alaba, FC Bayern now has the upper hand. The record champion does not have to renew at any price.
Should the Alaba side really turn down the last offer, thanks to Hernandez there would be no gaping gap. The French would be ready. Once more. As so often lately. Most recently in the top game at Borussia Dortmund.
When the cracked FCB defense was again vulnerable. But everything glue Hernandez fixed where it was necessary. In the end, the shaky scaffolding mostly held up. In particular, due to the strength of the left-back, who played a major role in Munich’s victory.
The success story Hernandez recalls the long forgotten Heynckes criticism
But the “Hernandez” case is much more than that. It is the symbol of an incontestable development in professional sport. Those who do not work immediately are counted and usually replaced. But this is exactly where the system hurts.
After all, Hernandez proves that premature actionism can lead to wrong decisions. If the record champions had already acted in the summer, the defender would probably no longer play in Munich. And FC Bayern would have posted a big minus.
Four years ago, FCB triple trainer Jupp Heynckes complained drastically about the fast pace of football: “Football is out of joint. It has lost its soul.”
At the same time, the success coach warned caution: “It only counts quickly, quickly, quickly. Nobody has patience these days.”
Flick’s perseverance pays off
It is probably no coincidence that the second triple coach in the history of Munich is also known for his patience. Perseverance instead of hyperthymia is his motto. The performance explosion of the French is thus also a merit of Hansi Flick.
After all, Flick had repeatedly emphasized the importance of the French in the past, although the latter mostly did not know how to convince. “We never doubted him and you can now see how important he is for our team”, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently underlined this thesis.
Now Hernandez is paying back the trust in his second season. And by the way, it becomes the big trump card of the FCB bosses in contract poker with David Alaba. Who would have thought that…
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