Bayern’s centre-back pairing currently consists of Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier. The duo have impressed with their strong performances and have displaced their defensive rivals Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano. Coach Thomas Tuchel explains the reasons.
De Ligt and winter signing Dier, who have a very good relationship, played together in central defence for the first time in the 3-2 win in Augsburg on 27 January. Four weeks later, the duo passed their baptism of fire with flying colours in the top match against RB Leipzig (2:1), and Thomas Tuchel has relied on the pair in the starting eleven ever since.
Only on 1 March in Freiburg (2:2) was de Ligt absent due to a yellow card suspension and Minjae Kim was allowed to return. Four days later, the Dutchman returned in the second leg of the round of 16 tie against Lazio Roma (3:0) and, together with Dier, helped to keep a clean sheet.
„Eric Dier plays well and talks a lot. And that’s good for us because he’s well organised at the back and has a close relationship with Matthijs de Ligt,“ explained Tuchel. This is another reason why both are currently set to play. Together, the duo are very strong in tackles and bring a lot of energy and leadership to the team.
„It’s very difficult for Minjae“
For the South Korean Kim, who had actually secured his place as a regular, only the role on the bench remained. „It’s very difficult for Minjae, especially because he actually deserves to play and is very good. But that’s the way it is sometimes,“ said Thomas Tuchel when asked about the current role of his centre-back.
„Eric and Matthijs have now played two home games and delivered there. So they’ll just stay in the squad,“ added Tuchel. Kim has not been one hundred per cent convincing in recent months anyway and also looked overplayed after his return from the Asian Cup at the beginning of February.
Out of the starting XI after two red cards
Dayot Upamecano recently got himself sent off with two red cards in succession. The Frenchman was sent off in the Champions League first leg at Lazio Roma on 14 February, causing the decisive penalty, and four days later the 25-year-old was sent off again in the away game in Bochum.
A week to forget for Upamecano: „It’s also a shame for Upa. He got two red cards and suffered a bit as a result,“ confirmed Tuchel.
Upamecano wants to stay at FC Bayern
Rumours also recently emerged that Upamecano could leave the club at the end of the season. The Bayern bosses are said to be keeping a close eye on the defender, who has also made the odd slip-up in big games.
However, Upamecano is by no means thinking about leaving. „No, not at all. I have a contract until 2026, I feel good – at the club and with my team-mates. I want to stay here at FC Bayern and will continue to give it my all,“ he made clear in an interview with kicker.
