Bayern Munich started preparations for next season as non-internationals returned to first-team training this week. Julian Nagelsmann was unveiled in front of media on Wednesday before he oversaw his first training session at the club. Nianzou Kouassi is one of the many first-team players that will be looking to impress Nagelsmann during pre-season training.
According to Spox, Kouassi worked hard during the vacation to be ready for the new season. This report confirms that the Frenchman spent 80 hours on pitch and gym during holidays to have a perfect preseason and eventually make a strong comeback for Die Roten next season.
After leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer to join Die Roten, Kouassi had a torrid time with injuries. More than three fourth of his season was spent in the treatment room. The Frenchman also missed the last few games of the Bundesliga campaign due to suspension.
Hasan Salihamidzic has consistently insisted that Nianzou Kouassi will eventually fulfill his talent at the club. Nagelsmann also echoed Brazzo’s thoughts in his first press conference as he heaped praise on the young French defender.
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Kouassi will get more playing time next season since David Alaba, Javi Martinez, and Jerome Boateng left the club on free transfers this summer. Even though Dayot Upamecano has arrived from RB Leipzig, Kouassi should be eyeing at least 35 appearances with 15-20 starts. Since Kouassi was used as a defensive midfielder in the past, Nagelsmann may also deploy him in the midfield.
Nagelsmann is also reportedly planning to use a three-man defense at Die Roten next season. If such a system becomes a regularity for Die Roten, Kouassi will play a big role next season. Moreover, there are doubts over the future of Niklas Sule in Bavaria, which further reduces competition in the heart of the defense.
Nianzou Kouassi was reportedly a target for RB Leipzig in the past, so it will be interesting to see how Nagelsmann plans to use it next season. Along with Kouassi, Marc Roca is another player to watch out for next season. The Spaniard has also put in extra work in the gym and pitch to get used to the physical nature of the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Bayern will be able to welcome 20,000 fans to Allianz Arena from the start of next season. Clubs across Germany have been allowed to have 25,000 fans, but the Bavarian government is eager to start with a lower number. The likes of Kouassi and Roca will get their first taste of the atmosphere at Allianz Arena next season.