Niklas Sule is delighted to be Bayern Munich’s first choice center-back
Germany international Niklas Sule is pleased to have become the first choice center-back for his Bayern Munich coach, Niko Kovac.
Niko Kovac is finally gaining some sort of stability at Bayern Munich in terms of results and personnel in the starting lineup. Die Roten are currently enjoying six-game winning streak in the Bundesliga after clinching a comfortable 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim over the weekend. The defending champions still remain six points behind Borussia Dortmund, but are prepared to challenge them over the next several months.
Kovac made a bold admission about his preferred starting eleven after the game against Hoffenheim. The Croatian insisted that Niklas Sule is now the first choice center-back at the club, while Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels fight for the second position in the heart of defense. Speaking to Sport1, Sule expressed his happiness at achieving this position under Kovac, but he is not getting carried away amid the stiff competition that surrounds him.
"“I was allowed to play a lot of games and I’m very happy with my role. I think that I also earned the trust and the club can also see that they can trust me.“At Bayern, you have to deliver in every game. We are double-occupied in each position and have only top players. If you play poorly one or two games, you’re out of the lineup quite fast.”"
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Sule has been a regular player under Kovac since the start of this season. The German defender enjoyed a decent debut campaign last time out, getting a lot of minutes under his belt. Bayern’s defense has been collectively shambolic at times this season, leaking goals. However, Sule has delivered some impressive individual displays among the chaotic defensive setup.
The 23-year-old rejected approaches from Chelsea to join Bayern from Hoffenheim last summer. The Bavarians have made a habit of signing young German players and banking on them to become their key players for years. Along with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, Sule is a fine example of this policy. The young Germans are delivering impressive performances right now and are likely to get even better with time.
Kovac’s comments have indirectly become a challenge for both Boateng and Hummels. The veteran defenders will have to work hard to earn the trust of their coach. They are particularly struggling to defend against fast forwards as age is catching up their experienced legs. These six months are likely to be their last six months at the club together as Bayern have already signed Benjamin Pavard and are actively pursuing Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid.
Bayern Munich overcome Hoffenheim in Bundesliga return — Player grades. dark. Next
The Croatian will be hoping to find a consistent back four ahead of next month’s clash against Liverpool. Mats Hummels featured against Hoffenheim on Friday and looked pretty comfortable throughout the match. His lack of pace is likely to hurt Bayern against Liverpool, so expect the Croatian to give Boateng a fair amount of chances before the game at Anfield. Kovac has done his job by challenging the veteran pair. It is now up to them to step up their game and earn their place in the lineup.