Dayot Upamecano and FC Bayern – this personnel issue remains one of the central topics at Säbener Straße. The French centre-back’s contract expires at the end of the season and a decision on his future is still pending. Now Jonathan Tah, a player directly next to him, has spoken out and provided a revealing insight into the feelings of the defensive boss
In an interview with the Abendzeitung München newspaper, Tah made it clear that there is currently a lot to be said for Upamecano staying. „I think he feels very, very comfortable,“ explained the international. Words that carry weight – after all, hardly anyone spends as much time with Upamecano on and off the pitch as Tah. For the Frenchman, it is crucial that he feels „that the team is good, that the atmosphere and the energy are good“
Trust under Kompany is the key
A central point in Tah’s statements is the role of Vincent Kompany. The Bayern coach has given Upamecano a supporting role from the outset and has visibly placed his trust in him. „He feels that the coach can give him something,“ Tah emphasised. It is precisely this feeling that has not always accompanied the Frenchman in recent years, when he has struggled with fluctuations in form and public criticism at times
Under Kompany, Upamecano appears more stable, more confident and clearer in his actions. The Bayern defence has strengthened over the course of the season and the 27-year-old is one of the most consistent players. The fact that he is appreciating this is an important factor in the contract poker
Decision rests solely with Upamecano
Despite all the positive signals, Tah also made it clear that in the end only one person can make the decision. „But it’s up to him,“ said the centre-back matter-of-factly. And that is precisely where the tension lies for FC Bayern. Those responsible around Max Eberl and Christoph Freund have been working on an extension for months, and recently there have been reports of possible concessions on contract details
Upamecano himself has repeatedly emphasized that he feels comfortable in Munich and is very positive about the development of the team. At the same time, the club knows that there is a lot of interest from abroad and that a transfer-free departure in the summer would hurt both in sporting and economic terms.