Ever since coach Julian Nagelsmann let Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting play as a “real nine”, things have been going well at FC Bayern again. The Cameroonian convinced in the end. Now the 33-year-old will face off against his predecessor, Robert Lewandowski.
When Robert Lewandowski left FC Bayern, there was a lot of speculation: Who should replace the Polish world footballer at the record champions? Many names were traded – Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland. Few believed that a Lewy replacement could be found in their own ranks.
In the end, Bayern signed Sadio Mané from Liverpool as a “king transfer”. But the Senegalese is not a classic center forward like Lewandwoski. Coach Julian Nagelsmann did without the “classic nine”. That also worked at the beginning of the season, but after a strong start to the season by the German champions, it stuttered in the storm, many chances and points were left behind – a debate about an allegedly missing striker at FCB sparked in football Germany.
Choupos-Moting’s most recent record: three games, four goals
Nagelsmann changed his system and went back to a classic centre-forward: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put Bayern back on the road to success with his four goals from three games. Hardly anyone saw the Cameroonian as a real alternative after Lewandowski’s departure to FC Barcelona. Now, in the middle of autumn, he is celebrating his second spring. “Since Choupo’s been there, we harmonize very well up front. He scores, that’s important for self-confidence, that helps us a lot,” Serge Gnabry praised the 33-year-old.
On Wednesday (9 p.m./BR24 radio live reportage) there could now be a direct duel between Choupo-Moting and Lewandowski and his FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. “There’s always something special against Barcelona. We have to take the game 100 per cent seriously. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Lewy again,” said the striker.
“Record man” Lewandowski in other spheres
Choupo-Moting will inevitably lose the direct comparison with the one year older Poland, who scored around 300 competitive goals for Bayern between 2014 and 2022. One to one, the Pole can probably not be replaced by anyone. The Cameroonian has now scored in three compulsory games in a row. The games against Freiburg, Augsburg and Hoffenheim are only partially suitable as proof of international class.
Choupo-Moting came to FC Bayern from Paris St. Germain in 2020 – as a backup for Lewandowski. For a long time he hardly got any working hours – until now. So will the former backup now become a permanent solution? The 1.91 meter tall athlete recently helped the record champions as a goalscorer, assist provider and passing station in the front line. A starting eleven guarantee – as Lewandowski actually had – does not exist for “Choupo”.
Still a long way from guaranteed starting eleven
Whether the Cameroonian plays or not “depends a bit on the opponent and how we otherwise play around it,” said Nagelsmann. The Cameroonian may already be back on the bench on Wednesday. Bayern are qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League, Nagelsmann could give the 33-year-old a break after three starts in just seven days. “He’s not in the rhythm after all this time,” said the coach, “and can’t play 70 or 80 minutes every three days.”
Source: BR24 10/26/2022 – 9:00 p.m
