Bayern Munich | Criticism of Matthijs de Ligt: “I wouldn’t have said anything”

After his first weeks at Bayern, Matthijs de Ligt spoke openly about fitness deficits from his time at ex-club Juventus Turin. The young Dutchman met with criticism from a former professional of the Italian record champions with these statements.

What happened? A few weeks ago, de Ligt spoke to “Sky Sport Italia” about his start in the Bundesliga and the differences to Italian football.

By his own admission, de Ligt had to fight in his first few weeks at Bayern. He was “not yet used to” the intensity of the training at Säbener Straße, he explained. “Now I’m in good shape.”

From his point of view, the training approach at Juventus was also quite tough, added de Ligt, “but in Italy it’s more about tactics and the desired system – and less about intensity, and certainly less about sprints.”

Criticism of statements by Matthijs de Ligt

These quotes met with incomprehension in Italy and especially around Juventus. After all, de Ligt was given the opportunity to play regularly in Serie A and the Champions League at the age of 19 with the old lady.

“I would have refrained from speaking. Unfortunately, in football, especially the players themselves, we tend to blame others. We never look at ourselves and admit that we could have given more,” said Well Andrea Barzagli, longtime Juve defender and Italian national player, at “DAZN”.

Barzagli was the direct predecessor of de Ligt in central defense at Turin, where he played until 2019. Between 2008 and 2011 he was also under contract with VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

Change to FC Bayern after three years Juventus

“I wouldn’t have said anything instead of speaking badly. In a few years he will probably do it differently,” added Barzagli, referring to De Ligt’s controversial statements.

Matthijs de Ligt was under contract in Turin for three seasons and made 87 appearances in Serie A for the Italian record champions.

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