Things haven’t been going well for Serge Gnabry so far in 2023/2024. While his direct competitors at FC Bayern are busy promoting themselves, the offensive all-rounder is simply not getting going. Will there be a separation next summer?
Only a handful of professionals have managed to score double figures in seven consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga. Serge Gnabry is one of them.
What began in 2016 at Werder Bremen and continued a year later at TSG Hoffenheim finally culminated at FC Bayern, where the now 28-year-old is the fifth longest-serving player behind Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman.
Recently, however, it sometimes seemed as if the successful relationship between the German record champions and their national player had worn out a little.
The bare numbers speak volumes: Gnabry has only been on the pitch for FC Bayern for 420 minutes this season, with only one measly goal (in the 4-3 win against Manchester United in the Champions League) resulting from that.
The truth is, of course, that the right winger had to take a break for weeks after breaking his forearm in the DFB Cup game against Preußen Münster and was therefore barely able to find his rhythm. But even if he is fit, he will probably only be second choice under coach Thomas Tuchel for the time being.
Competition at FC Bayern is too great for Gnabry
“2019/20 was my best year. I’m a little behind on the efficiency of this season,” Gnabry recently admitted at a press conference for the German national team. Since the summer break he has “not yet gotten into the flow to perform properly”.
And there is no improvement in sight: While Gnabry is looking for form, his internal team competitors have continuously collected plus points.
Tuchel usually relies on a quartet of Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Harry Kane in the front line. In Musiala’s absence, Thomas Müller and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are fighting for the place as a free spirit behind Kane.
Gnabry’s versatility – one of his greatest strengths for years – threatens to become a problem. Because: The Stuttgart native is good in almost all attacking disciplines, but nowhere better than his fellow players.
Of course, fierce competition is nothing new for Gnabry, and so far the right-footed player has prevailed against almost all of the most prominent names. His dynamism, coupled with an uncompromising finish, ultimately convinced every coach, whether Niko Kovac, Hansi Flick or Julian Nagelsmann.
FC Bayern: Tuchel appeals to problem child Gnabry
However, Gnabry’s shares have fallen noticeably under Tuchel. The maximum penalty: The all-rounder recently languished on the bench for 90 minutes during FC Bayern’s 1-0 win at 1. FC Köln.
Another low blow for Gnabry, who had just returned from a completely unsuccessful international trip with the DFB team.
At the press conference before the premier class home game against FC Copenhagen, Tuchel tried to speak strongly to his protégé. “He is incredibly reliable for us,” emphasized the 50-year-old, referring to Gnabry’s “lack of lightness” due to his arm brace.
The weak striker must now put on blinders and repeat the “things that make him strong,” demanded Tuchel: “Then he will get back to the level we expect of him.”
Farewell to FC Bayern? Gnabry appreciates the Premier League
Nevertheless, doubts remain as to whether Gnabry will once again become irreplaceable at FC Bayern. His current working paper at Säbener Straße expires in 2026, and rumors about the former Arsenal professional’s desire for a second attempt in the Premier League persist.
In keeping with this, Manchester United was said to have concrete interest in the five-time German champions, and the 60 million euros asked for at least did not deter the Red Devils.
For Gnabry, who turns 29 next July, it might be the last chance to find a place at an English “big six” club. In return, those responsible at Bayern could collect a hefty fee and invest it in rejuvenating the squad.
But these are all just mind games. Even if Gnabry’s thoughts of farewell should solidify, his focus until the summer will still be on FC Bayern and the home European Championship with the currently badly hit German national team.
And possibly also to extend his impressive goal streak to eight years. Gnabry is still waiting for his first goal in the league.
Heiko Lütkehus
2023-11-29 05:54:00
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