Marcel Sabitzer joined FC Bayern from RB Leipzig last season and had a difficult start in Munich. But the 28-year-old Austrian has prevailed and developed into a regular player. He emphasizes: “I have found my role.”
Marcel Sabitzer did not have an easy year in Munich after moving from RB Leipzig to FC Bayern in the summer of 2021. The 28-year-old was on the verge of becoming one of the club’s biggest transfer flops. The Austrian came to the Isar with great ambitions and a contract until 2025. But because he was hardly able to call up his top performances from previous years, Sabitzer mostly found himself on the bench and only got too few playing times.
Escape from Munich?
After the first weak season, the rumor mill was already bubbling about a premature departure from Säbener Straße. There was talk of dissatisfaction from the environment. After all, the Austrian national player had come from Saxony together with coach Julian Nagelsmann and under him he was still the captain and the most important man on the field and in the dressing room.
But the midfielder, who began his football career with Villacher SV and Grazer AK, ultimately opted for staying in Munich and risked a second try. And Sabitzer fought his way through. The 28-year-old impressed in the pre-season and at the same time benefited from the fact that Leon Goretzka, who was actually in his position, was injured for weeks.
Nagelsmann: “Sabi remained positively stubborn”
Nagelsmann saw his protégé turn 180 degrees and praised him for his perseverance: “He didn’t play great last season – that’s no secret. He knows that himself. I think he stayed positively stubborn. He didn’t throw in the towel, despite negative reporting, comments and bad grades.” Nagelsmann is impressed by Sabitzer’s fighting spirit: “Some others would have succumbed to the pressure, but he said I know I can play better.”
The Bayern bosses are also happy that Sabitzer got the curve and he convinced alongside Joshua Kimmich in defensive midfield. “He was also unlucky last year due to the late change and injuries. This year he had good preparation. I’m very happy for him that he started the season like this.”said sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
From sales candidate to regular player
Sabitzer started all five Bundesliga games this season, as well as the DFB Cup game and the Champions League game in Milan. This even impresses his colleagues: “I’m very positive about Marcel’s development, especially on the defensive. He’s trying to clear everything. We’re all positively surprised.”noted Captain Manuel Neuer.
The 28-year-old himself is happy about the current development: “I’m happy that I found my role in the team. I always believed in my abilities.”
Clear starting eleven announcement from Goretzka
The Austrian has the momentum on his side. But Goretzka is now back in the squad after his knee surgery and is shuffling his feet. He no longer wants to sit on the bench as a reserve player against Stuttgart and Barcelona. He made after 2-0 against Inter clear: “Now I’m ready to start.”
Nagelsmann’s luxury problem
Currently, the options for Nagelsmann on the eight are plentiful: Sabitzer has done a lot of self-promotion and Ryan Gravenberch, the new signing from Ajax Amsterdam, is also a must in training. The duel for the place on Kimmich’s side is now a three-way battle. A luxury problem that can certainly be solved with regard to the following English weeks.
