FC Bayern will have to do without Michael Olise in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown against Arsenal. The French attacking star is suspended after receiving a yellow-red card in the 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger. For Lothar Matthäus, the absence is particularly bitter—especially for Olise himself. However, the all-time leading German international also sees the ejection as an important learning experience for the 24-year-old.
In Stavanger, Olise had let himself get carried away by an unnecessary move, thereby weakening his team for the crucial match against Arsenal. In the subsequent 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig, however, the Frenchman showed a strong response.
With a goal and a convincing performance, Olise was once again one of Bayern’s standout players. Matthäus also noted his positive behavior on the field.
Matthäus: “He punished himself.”
In his Sky column, the 65-year-old made it clear that, in his view, Olise is already feeling the consequences of his misconduct. “He punished himself with that red card, because every soccer player is eager to play in games like that,” Matthäus explained, referring to the match against Arsenal.
At the same time, the former Bayern captain praised the forward’s reaction against Leipzig. “He was fouled frequently against Leipzig as well, but he didn’t react to it. He showed that he’s learned from his mistake.”
For Matthäus, this development is more important than any potential financial penalty from the club. “That’s worth much more than if he’d been fined.”
Who will replace Olise against Arsenal?
The suspension presents Bayern coach Vincent Kompany with a difficult personnel decision. After all, with nine goals and five assists in ten competitive matches, Olise is one of Munich’s most important players.
Matthäus sees no way to find an equivalent replacement for the Frenchman. “You can’t replace him one-to-one anyway,” the Sky expert emphasized.
He named Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry as possible alternatives. However, both are still behind in training and match fitness following their injury problems.
Ismael Saibari could also play an important role. The Moroccan newcomer played in the number 10 position against Leipzig and, according to Matthäus, has been improving recently. “Kompany has three players for two positions; it’s going to be a close call,” explained the former World Cup champion.
Another option would be to build the offensive play more around Luis Díaz. The Colombian was in outstanding form against Leipzig, scoring a hat trick.
One thing is certain: Against Arsenal, FC Bayern will have to organize its offense without one of its best players right now. Whoever takes over Olise’s role is likely to be one of the most intriguing lineup decisions ahead of the Champions League showdown.