In Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro, Bayern have signed two versatile players. Both of them made that clear in their introduction.
“I play where the coach puts me” is an old football adage that applies in all leagues and that players like to take refuge in when asked which position they prefer to play in. The same applies to the two newcomers, Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro, during their presentation at FC Bayern’s training camp at Tegernsee.
Laimer can also do six
Konrad Laimer, who came to Munich from Leipzig on a free transfer, says he can “feel a few positions” to play. He feels comfortable in midfield, said the Austrian, who wears the number 24 in Munich, which he wore when he was young at Salzburg. “Whether it’s the six or the eight, that doesn’t make a big difference anymore.” Music to the ears of those responsible at Bayern, who lost out to Arsenal in the race for Declan Rice and now want to fill the position internally.
At least that’s what Uli Hoeneß at Tegernsee said: “I don’t even ask the question about the six because Laimer is a transfer that we will have a lot of fun with,” he told “Bild” on the sidelines of the training camp.
Guerreiro feels comfortable on the left
And otherwise there would still be Raphael Guerreiro for this position. The French-born, who plays for the Portuguese national team, has held the position for Dortmund in recent games. Basically, the left-back is his home: “My favorite position is back left. The coach has a lot of choices there,” but he respects the coach’s choice, Guerreiro added.
The coach Guerreiro knows from his time in Dortmund: Thomas Tuchel: “I know him, I know what he demands,” said Guerreiro. Tuchel “showed him that he wanted me on the team”. He will have to fight for a regular place with Alphonso Davies at the back left. The Portuguese with French roots relies on his offensive qualities. He would like to improve that as well as the defensive. “I have big opponents here in training. That can only help me to improve my defense.”
Guerreiro and Laimer players with identification potential
Both newcomers left little doubt about their ambitions: They are in Munich to win titles. And the new CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, who also took part in the presentation, sees great potential for identification in both. “Both are absolute dream players. Both have played for their previous clubs for a long time. That’s exactly what we need,” praised the Kahn successor, who has been in office for fifty days.
Bayern fans can see their team for the first time on July 18th. Then the team tests against FC Rottach-Egern. On July 24, the Munich band will embark on their Asia tour through Japan and Singapore. There are tests against Manchester City and Liverpool, among others. Time for the newcomers Laimer and Guerreiro to show themselves – maybe even in their favorite positions.
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio
07/17/2023 – 3:54 p.m
