Bayern Munich: Mats Hummels accepts Niko Kovac’s rotation policy

Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has welcomed new coach Niko Kovac’s rotation policy, happy to accept competition from his teammates.

Bayern Munich began their title defense in a perfect manner by winning their first two Bundesliga games of the ’18-19 season. Though some have tipped Niko Kovac for failure in the Bavarian captial, the Croatian has so far proven his doubters wrong. Kovac has a big job on his hands in managing the big names in Bayern’s squad, but he looks well prepared to lead this team throughout the season.

There were some interesting changes in the Bayern teams that faced Hoffenheim and Stuttgart. Kovac has previously stressed the importance of keeping players motivated and thus far has kept his word by rotating his squad.

Mats Hummels, for example, was left on the bench against Hoffenheim. The German defender has no problems with Kovac’s rotation policy, though. While speaking with Sport Bild, Hummels said that he is happy with the competition he has at Bayern for a spot in central defense.

"“I do not need a bonus.“Everyone is sitting on the bench, in every department of the team. It would be very pretentious to the other two if I did not accept not to play once. Because Jerome and Niki are just sensational center-backs.”"

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Hummels returned to the starting XI against VfB Stuttgart this past weekend. The German has become a reliable center-back since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. Carlo Ancelotti paired him along with Javi Martinez during his time at Bayern, and Jupp Heynckes also heavily relied on Hummels in his short stint at the club.

If rumors are to be believed, Niklas Sule is likely to be the first choice central defender under Kovac. Bayern showed their transfer smarts last summer, acquiring him from Hoffenheim on a discounted price.

Sule enjoyed a great debut season at Bayern. The next step in his development will now be to get more gametime, as he’s set to be an important player for the Bavarians for years to come. In Hummels and Jerome Boateng he has two veteran defenders (World Cup winners, no less) who serve as perfect role models.

As for Hummels, he also admitted that he’s very happy Jerome Boateng decided to stay at Bayern. He was subject to strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain and even hinted at the end of the last season that he would like to experience a new adventure. Bayern would have allowed him to leave the club for the right price, but PSG never paid up. In the end, the Berlin-born defender decided to stay in Munich.

Boateng is the senior-most defender at the club right now. He’s a world-class defender, no doubt, but recent injury issues mean his workload must be smartly managed to ensure he’s able to give his best when called upon. Bayern will take decisive steps to replace him next summer, though, and are already rumored to have reached an agreement with Stuttgart over Benjamin Pavard.

With three top central defenders,Kovac won’t have to use David Alaba or Javi Martinez in central defense, unless there is an injury crisis. Mats Hummels should remain satisfied with his playing time as Bayern compete across multiple fronts throughout the busy season.