Defensive instability again proved Bayern Munich’s Achilles heel on matchday one as the Rekordmeister struggled to overcome Wolfsburg on the opening weekend. Despite finding themselves in front, a Lovro Majer brace gave Wolfsburg a 2-1 lead before an own goal and a late Serge Gnabry winner secured a hard-fought win in Vincent Kompany’s maiden Bundesliga game in charge.
Kim Min-jae, a player who has struggled since his €50m arrival from Napoli last summer, was caught in possession for Wolfsburg’s second of the afternoon. The South Korean partnered Dayot Upamecano in central-defence but was replaced by Eric Dier after TZ reported that Kim played with a slight thigh injury yesterday. With Hiroki Ito sidelined, Bayern’s Christoph Freund hasn’t ruled out another defensive signing with the club showing concrete interest in Jonathan Tah, but it brings up the question as to whether club bosses should have sold Matthijs de Ligt.
Lothar Matthäus criticises Bayern Munich’s defence
In his Sky Germany column, translated by iMiaSanMia, former Bayern Munich star Lothar Matthäus took aim towards the club’s defence, and questioned the sale of De Ligt to Manchester United.
“The defence is and remains Bayern’s Achilles heel,” said Matthäus.
“Matthijs de Ligt was sold, even though he was the most stable defender over the past two years. He was the leader of the backline. Now Bayern are again looking for a successor to David Alaba. For me, it’s pathetic that this leader is missing. After all, we are talking about FC Bayern. All the center backs currently in the Bayern squad have to be clear with themselves first.
“If de Ligt had not been sold, I would not have worries at FC Bayern now,” added the World Cup winner. “But my opinion about him is probably different to the people in charge. It’s a decision that has to be accepted. But many – including within the team – are just shaking their heads. Because the players also know that their defence is shaky. And then the best defender for many is sold.”
Christoph Freund doesn’t rule out future signings
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Christoph Freund hinted that the club will make further business to address Kompany’s vulnerable backline.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
