Following the disappointing 3-3 draw at Viking Stavanger, criticism of individual players is mounting at FC Bayern. Two summer signings in particular are under scrutiny: Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari. Neither player impressed in Norway, and both endured a bitter Champions League evening.
Although Munich—after trailing 0–2—even managed to take a 3–2 lead at one point, they ultimately could only manage a draw. In addition to individual defensive errors, the performances of the new signings also sparked discussion.
On the BILD podcast “Bayern Insider,” soccer director Christian Falk and reporter Julian Agardi took a close look at Brown and Saibari in particular. Both expressed clear doubts about the Bayern pros’ performances so far.
“Brown has learned the hard way”
Nathaniel Brown, in particular, had a rough night in Stavanger. The left back started the game but was replaced by Alphonso Davies at halftime by Vincent Kompany.
The German national team player didn’t look good, especially on the second goal conceded. “Brown has learned the hard way,” Falk criticized. The BILD reporter then became even more explicit: “Before the goal that made it 2-0, he was basically pushed aside like some schoolboy.”
In Falk’s assessment, Brown could certainly have handled the situation better given his speed. The 23-year-old didn’t look good in that moment.
At least Falk also offered a possible explanation: Brown was reportedly suffering from a cold before the game. However, the journalist wouldn’t accept that as an excuse for his poor performance.
Saibari is brought on and then taken off again
The evening turned out even more bitter for Ismael Saibari. The attacking player came on for Lennart Karl at halftime but had to leave the field again in the 83rd minute. Kompany brought on Hiroki Ito in his place.
Falk pointed out that it had been a tactical decision. Nevertheless, his assessment of the new signing was critical. While Saibari uses his physicality to create space for Harry Kane, Falk noted that he still has a lot of ground to make up technically.
Agardi also expressed disappointment. “To be honest, I haven’t seen that yet,” he said, referring to the speed for which Saibari had been praised during preseason.
His movements with the ball continued to look stiff, especially when attempting to dribble past opponents. The fact that he had to leave the field again shortly after coming on as a substitute is likely to weigh on the attacking player’s mind.
Agardi emphasized that Bayern had hoped for much more from Saibari so far. However, the new signing isn’t the only attacking player who is currently struggling to find his form.
For Brown and Saibari, the priority now is to turn things around on the field as quickly as possible. Especially with upcoming matches against RB Leipzig and Arsenal on the horizon, Munich needs significantly more quality from its new signings.