Since Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier have been placed in FC Bayern’s defense center, the team is more secure. The Munich club legend Klaus Augenthaler believes he knows why the new duo harmonizes better than the team used in the first half of the season.
“When Upamecano and Kim played together in central defense, you could already see their individual abilities. But you missed what makes a good defense: the well-coordinated nature,” explained Augenthaler in an interview with “tz”.
In the last few games, the “defensive performance was much better,” explained the 1990 world champion: “I don’t know whether that’s just because of De Ligt and Dier. The team was already well numbered beforehand. Then everyone stepped on the gas and saw what is possible with this team.”
The German record champions have recently gained some breathing room with two confident home wins against Lazio Rome in the Champions League (3-0) and Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga (8-1).
Nevertheless, coach Thomas Tuchel has to pack his bags after the season and the search for a successor is already in full swing. Bayer Leverkusen’s successful coach Xabi Alonso is considered the ideal solution.
Augenthaler talks about FC Bayern’s problem children
One of the victims of the new defensive formation is new signing Min-jae Kim, who is suddenly only second choice. Augenthaler feels for the 27-year-old, who came from Naples for 50 million euros.
“Communicatively, it’s not that easy for Kim. He comes from South Korea, moved from China to Turkey, then from there to Italy and last summer to Munich. He had to learn a new language again. That shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said the ex-professional.
Augenthaler said about problem child Dayot Upamecano: “The big question that comes to mind is: Who is the leader in defense? I thought Upamecano could become the boss. He brings everything with him: He is strong in the air, fast and strong in tackles. But he became always criticized after minor mistakes that led to chances or goals conceded.”