Striking situation at the start of the season |
That’s why Bayern’s star purchases don’t play
The strong Bayern start!
5: 3 in the Supercup against RB Leipzig. 6: 1 at the start of the Bundesliga at Europa League winners Frankfurt. Most recently the sovereign 2:0 against VfL Wolfsburg.
The master marches! But one thing still surprised many fans: Most of the newcomers don’t play a major role in Munich’s current starting XI!
In the new episode “Stammplatz”, the daily football podcast from BILD, Bayern expert Heiko Niedderer explains why.
Matthijs de Ligt (23) moved from Juventus Turin to Munich for 67 million, so far he has eight measly Bundesliga minutes: The Dutchman is simply not fit enough and therefore currently not a candidate for the starting XI. Niedderer: “In Italy, the players who don’t play are not challenged as much in training as they are in the top clubs in Germany. The Dutchman also joined the team very late. He has to catch up on his fitness deficit and will then be in the starting XI. Bayern don’t put a player who has cost so much money permanently on the bench either.”
Noussair Mazraoui (24) came on a free transfer from Ajax Amsterdam and has only received eight Bundesliga minutes so far: The Moroccan was actually expected by many fans and pundits at the start of the season as a right-back in the starting XI. Bayern reporter Heiko Niedderer explains why he can’t be found there at the moment: “Mazraoui kept having minor injuries during preparation. Had to deal with back problems, for example. Benjamin Pavard took advantage of this and initially played well with good performances on the right side of defence. In addition, Mazraoui probably still has to get used to the higher level of the Bundesliga compared to the Eredivisie.”
Ryan Gravenberch (20), for whom Bayern paid 18.5 million to Ajax Amsterdam, has the most playing time of the three newcomers with 40 minutes: The Dutchman received a lot of praise from the team and coach during the preparation and after Leon Goretzka’s injury (27 / knee surgery) he already looked like a safe starting eleven candidate. But that hasn’t happened so far. Niedderer: “Gravenberch’s problem is called Marcel Sabitzer. The ex-Leipziger has really blossomed in his second Bayern season so far and has secured his place next to Joshua Kimmich in central midfield for the time being. If Leon Goretzka comes back then, of course, it won’t be any easier for the highly talented Gravenberch.”
Top talent Mathys Tel (17) is initially planned as a supplementary player and should be introduced slowly. The only regular among the newcomers is top striker Sadio Mané (30).
Good for the newcomers: The Champions League starts in September. Then at the latest Bayern will need their qualities because of the triple burden.
“Stammplatz” is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify – and everywhere else that has podcasts!
Other topics in the new “Stammplatz” episode:
► That’s why Bayern have no pressure on the Laimer transfer
► BILD football boss Christian Falk explains the Tuchel freak out
App users can access the podcast here!
“Stammplatz” is the new daily football podcast from BILD. The BILD football reporters, who are on site at every Bundesliga club every day, give first-hand impressions, insights and background information. From the stadiums, training grounds and changing rooms – straight to the fans’ ears!
