Brazilian right-back Rafinha is unhappy with his lack of game time under Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac.
Niko Kovac is slowly finding his feet at Bayern Munich. The Croatian manager has recently been able to churn out results after a poor run of performances during his first six months at the club. Kovac made many changes every game in the first half of the season but has recently settled on a consistent starting lineup and tactical approach.
There was an air of discontent in the dressing room at Bayern when Kovac was making so many changes. He was publicly backed by the likes of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, while others, like James Rodriguez, were reportedly unhappy with the Croatian. Such reports have now diminished, but Kovac’s lack of rotation has disturbed some fringe players.
Rafinha is one of player unhappy with Kovac right now. Speaking to Sport Bild (via Goal), the Brazilian full-back admitted he is angry with his situation at the club. Rafinha further added that there are no reasons for him to get so few minutes after playing regularly for Kovac in the first half of the season.
"“At the moment the coach is not fair to me. I bring my performance in training but it is difficult to motivate myself.“I do my work and train well, but the coach does not count on me. I do not know why. I have not made any problems. But of course, I am disappointed.”"
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Kovac used Joshua Kimmich as a holding midfield in almost all the games that took place in November and December. Rafinha got an extended run in the starting lineup during this time period.
However, after the winter break, Kovac has moved Kimmich back to right-back and deployed Thiago Alcantara in midfield. This change has led to only one start for Rafinha since the end of the winter break.
The Brazilian is likely to play against Liverpool next month, as Joshua Kimmich is set to miss the game due to suspension. The Brazilian has insisted he will need to play in the upcoming Bundesliga games to be fully prepared for the game against the Premier League leaders.
There will be numerous departures at Bayern in the summer. Rafinha is set to end his nine-year spell at the club as Bayern are not interested in extending his contract. He believes this might play into his lack of minutes in recent months. The former Genoa and Schalke defender has held talks with numerous Brazilian clubs, but he is likely to move to Flamengo in the summer.
Rafinha has been a fine squad player for Bayern, playing an important role in Bayern’s success in this decade. The Brazilian still has a role to play this season, too, but he needs to understand that he is not going to play regularly as the stakes are high for Kovac in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.