Jerome Boateng has won over his critics at Bayern Munich this season.
After a summer of uncertainty, Jerome Boateng ended up staying at Bayern Munich. The German defender was linked with a move to Juventus at the summer transfer window, but the move eventually didn’t materialize. Boateng was part of Niko Kovac‘s at the start of the season.
Boateng was behind Lucas Hernandez, Niklas Sule, and Benjamin Pavard in the pecking order. He struggled to get playing time under Kovac. It looked certain that Boateng’s successful career in Bavaria was set to end in a whimper.
However, Boateng got the chance of redemption when Hansi Flick was appointed as the first team manager in November. Along with his appointment, there was an injury crisis in central defense. Flick decided to stick with Boateng and David Alaba as the first choice center-back partnership during this time.
The German defender went from strength to strength with every passing game week. Speaking to Welt am Sonntag (via SportBild), Boateng admits that he had never given up despite the lack of support from the previous coach. Right now, he feels complete trust from Flick and his coaching team.
"“I have always fought my way through in recent years, even if the backing from the previous coach or other people was not there.”“I need the trust of the coach and his coaching team. I have it again. Even before the time with Hansi Flick, I trained well and hard, but was not allowed to play and so never had the chance to get into my rhythm. It is difficult for every player.”"
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Boateng’s performances have improved so drastically that he is keeping Lucas Hernandez out of the starting XI. The German defender is favourite to partner Alaba in Der Klassiker later tonight. This game will define whether Boateng has rediscovered his old touch, or it was just a false dawn.
The German defender once again insisted that he can see himself staying at the club beyond this summer. His current deal is set to expire in 2021. There are no indications in German media that Boateng will be offered a new deal by the club. If he manages to maintain the current form, then there is no harm in extending his deal by a year.
Die Roten find themselves in a win-win condition with Boateng. In the current transfer market, no club will be ready to commit a big transfer fee and wages for Boateng, so they can keep him for an additional year. Since Niklas Sule is coming back from a serious injury, Boateng’s presence will help in reducing pressure on him to return to his best form quickly.
Boateng has been a terrific player for Die Roten, but he could have a longer final hurrah due to the recent developments. Since the winter break, he has once again shown the mental toughness to become a vital cog in the team. When it looked certain that his time was over at the club, Boateng rose again to defy odds.