Coach Julian Nagelsmann from German champions Bayern Munich continues to hope that star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is said to be willing to change, will stay. “I must have said it 50 times that I naturally wish he would stay, nothing has changed this week,” said Nagelsmann.
He was referring to the first meeting of Bayern bosses around CEO Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic with Lewandowski’s advisor Pini Zahavi on Thursday in Munich. The world footballer from Poland still has a contract until 2023, but is said to be flirting with a transfer to FC Barcelona. Salihamidzic only ruled out on Sunday that Bayern would give up the 33-year-old this summer.
Nagelsmann hopes for a quick decision in poker. “Basically, it’s always good when you have planning security – in all areas of life, including the striker. That’s why I would also like us to reach an agreement there,” he said.
Basically, he is convinced that Kahn and Salihamidzic will “put together a very good team” as promised. But he believes that patience is required, “and I show that too”. Internally, he announced his opinion on squad planning “early on”. “It stays internal as much as possible to give the two men mentioned the peace and quiet to do their job,” he emphasized.
FC Bayern: Thomas Müller is missing against Mainz
For Nagelsmann it is “not an option” to lend defensive talent Tanguy Nianzou. “He will stay with us and is firmly in my head,” said the coach.
In the away game at 1. FSV Mainz 05, Nagelsmann has to do without Thomas Müller, who is ill. The attacker does not have Corona, but is contagious and will therefore not travel to Mainz. Dayot Upamecano should also get a break.
After securing the tenth German championship in a row, the coach wants to give some reservists and talents a chance. According to Nagelsmann, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Marcel Sabitzer will start, but that also applies to Lewandowski “if he is healthy”.
Although Bayern have already reached their goal for the season in the league, Nagelsmann wants to play the duel “as seriously as possible and with the players who are in the best shape on the day”. Some players from the second row should come off the bench.
All other Nagelsmann statements from the PK can be found here!
