Bayern Munich have already played three official matches, concluded with three victories. There was a first success in the German Supercup against RB Leipzig (5-3), then two others during the first days of the Bundesliga on the lawn of Eintracht Frankfurt (6-1), then at home against Wolfsburg (2-0). Everything starts well for the defending champion, but there is still an astonishing element that caught the attention of observers. Sadio Mané is the only rookie to have had playing time.
The Senegalese striker started all three games and even scored in the first two, taking his place on the front line following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. It is the only reinforcement to have had this chance. Despite large sums committed on the transfer market (Matthijs de Ligt €67m + 10 bonus, Mathys Tel €20m + 10 bonus, Ryan Gravenberch €18.5m and Noussair Mazraoui free), Bayern Munich prefers to the moment to do in continuity.
New recruits victims of competition
Obviously, it is the case of the Dutch defender who challenges the most. He only played 20 short minutes in all competitions. He even remained on the bench during the last meeting, once again leaving the Upamecano-Hernandez pair on the field. For Bild, he is simply not physically ready, especially because of his late transfer. At Bayern, we assure that it is a question of time. The former Juve player benefits from the “novelty” label, but the choice will not be easy for Nagelsmann.
The case of Mathys Tel (17 years old) is less annoying. The young striker is certainly a victim of his price but the goal is to give him playing time as and when. Ryan Gravenberch (20) is the most used reinforcement after Mané, but he has still not started either (40 minutes played). He is currently behind Marcel Sabitzer in the hierarchy, who returned in great shape this summer, and the indestructible Joshua Kimmich, pending the return of Leon Goretzka from injury.
And then there is Noussair Mazraoui (24 years old). Arrived at the end of the contract from Ajax, the Moroccan was expected as the new holder on the right of the defense in front of Benjamin Pavard. He has so far benefited from 20 minutes of playing time by replacing the Frenchman at the end of the game in the first two games. For Bild, he is for the moment the victim of a preparation a little hampered by injuries and a delayed adaptation to a new championship. Still, the old guard is resisting.
