Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano has vowed to fight for his place at the club following the arrival of Kim Min-jae from Napoli. With a contract until 2026, the Frenchman sees his future at the Rekordmeister.
“I didn’t think for a second about leaving Bayern,” Upamecano told BILD. “I will fight for my place.”
On the arrival of Kim Min-jae from Napoli, of whom Upamecano will be competing with for a starting spot in Thomas Tuchel’s side, the French defender discussed the signing of the South Korean: “He’s a very good reinforcement, he makes us better. This competition belongs to international top teams. I accept that, I’m reading to fight for my place.”
Upamecano was at fault for Manchester City’s first goal against Bayern Munich. He lost a defensive duel against Rico Lewis (18) and after the game, said: “The goal was difficult to defend. If I touch my opponent, it’s a penalty.”
Upamecano played 43 games across all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, only 9 of which came under Tuchel. With Matthijs de Ligt and Kim, Upamecano faces difficult competition to retain his place in Bayern’s XI, especially considering that both Benjamin Pavard and Josip Stanišić have both played a central position this season, while 18-year-old Tarek Buchmann has also been training with the professional squad.
Upamecano has often been linked with a departure from Bayern Munich, but it would appear that the Frenchman is still firmly in Tuchel’s plans, but his performances must improve.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder