Lucas Hernandez’s playing time creates debate at Bayern Munich

Lucas Hernandez has emerged as a topic of conflict at Bayern Munich. The recent reports in Germany suggest that the French defender’s lack of consistent game time has led to friction between club hierarchy and coaching staff.

According to Bild, Hasan Salihamidzic and Hansi Flick have conflicting opinions regarding the playing time of Hernandez in the first team.  It also says that Hernandez’s less playing time has also created a tense relationship between Salihamidzic and Flick. Earlier this week, there were reports in Germany suggesting that Flick’s future at the club is uncertain due to his frosty relationship with Salihamidizic.

Brazzo pushed for the transfer of Hernandez in 2019. The club broke the transfer record to activate Hernandez’s release clause worth €80 million at Atletico Madrid. However, Flick is relying on the experienced duo of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba in the heart of the defense.

Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies is consistently playing in the left-back position for Bayern. Hernandez impressed in this position when Davies was on the sidelines due to injury. Since the return of Davies to full fitness in December, Flick has been selecting the Canadian ahead of Hernandez in this position.

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In an ideal situation, this should be a temporary situation for Bayern. Alaba is set to leave the club in the summer window on a free transfer. Hernandez will be a direct replacement for him as Flick prefers a partnership of left and right-footed center-backs. Jerome Boateng’s future at the club also hangs in the balance with six months left on the current deal.

Bayern is still likely to be in the market for a center-back next summer. They have already confirmed interest in RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. Despite the possible arrival of his compatriot from Leipzig, Hernandez should not be worried for game time as four center-back options always provide healthy competition in the squad.

In the short team, the French defender would be worried about less game time affecting his chances of being first-choice left-back for the French national team at Euros next summer. When Bayern starts playing two games a week, Hernandez is likely to get at least one appearance every week.

Salihamidzic concerns are understandable as the club record signing is expected to be part of the spine of the first choice starting XI. However, this situation is not exactly black and white. Patience for Hernandez will eventually pay off, and Bayern will be seeing the best of the French defender sooner rather than later.