The mood at FC Bayern is already low following the disappointing 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger. Now, there appears to be discontent within the team as well. The focus is on Serge Gnabry, who once again did not see any playing time in the Champions League away game in Norway.
According to BILD, the 31-year-old was visibly frustrated after the final whistle. The report states that Gnabry was the first Bayern player to leave the stadium and head for the team bus.
The reason for his bad mood is likely his current playing situation. Although coach Vincent Kompany used all his substitution slots against Stavanger, Gnabry remained on the bench for the entire match.
The German national team player had apparently been hoping to see some playing time.
Kompany opted for Karl and Saibari over Gnabry
Due to Jamal Musiala’s injury-related absence, the attacking midfield position against Stavanger needed to be filled.
However, Kompany did not opt for the experienced Gnabry, but instead started with youngster Lennart Karl. At halftime, new signing Ismael Saibari took over the number 10 role.
Neither player lived up to expectations and had little decisive impact on the team’s offensive play.
The fact that Gnabry still didn’t get a chance likely added to his frustration.
Did the artificial turf play a role?
However, Kompany’s decision may also have been based on medical or fitness-related reasons. Gnabry has just returned from a months-long injury layoff and is still working his way back to his usual physical condition.
So far this season, the forward has made only two brief appearances for Munich.
This may be why Kompany didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. After all, the match in Stavanger was played on artificial turf, which can be an additional factor in lineup decisions following a prolonged injury layoff.
Whether this was actually the deciding factor, however, is unknown.
For Gnabry, however, the situation remains unsatisfactory. After his long forced break, the 31-year-old would like to finally return to regular playing time and prove himself worthy of further appearances.
The next opportunity could come as early as Saturday, when FC Bayern hosts RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena.
After two consecutive draws, Kompany is likely considering changing his starting lineup again anyway. Whether Gnabry will benefit from this remains to be seen.