Bayern Munich: Nagelsmann lays down challenge for young midfielders
It has been a productive weekend for Bayern Munich as they clinched the fifth league win in a row after victory at Furth on Friday. The German Champions managed to clinch the victory after going down to ten men as Benjamin Pavard was given marching orders at the start of the second half.
The matchday squad for the away game at Furth was a strong one as injuries are slowly easing out in the squad. Julian Nagelsmann has to leave few players out of the matchday squad due to the immense quality and depth in the team. This weekend once again saw Mickael Cuisance and Marc Roca left out of the matchday squad.
The two young midfielders have endured a difficult start to the campaign. Roca is yet to get game time this season, while Cuisance came on against Bremer SV in DFB Pokal. Even though the Frenchman was on the scoresheet against Bremer, he is yet to feature for Die Roten in the Bundesliga.
Nagelsmann has been left with no choice to leave out the two midfielders since other players have been much more crucial for him this season. While talking to media after the win against Furth (via Kerry Hau, Spox), Nagelsmann laid down the challenge for both midfielders to get playing time in the Bundesliga.
"“They didn’t train badly, but also not in a way that they could have displaced others.”"
The words from Nagelsmann are not encouraging for players, but the coach’s admission might help them to push more and force their way back into the squad. As things stand, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are first-choice midfielders for Die Roten. Marcel Sabitzer and Corentin Tolisso are deputies for the German midfielders.
After a difficult debut season, Roca has been unfortunate with an injury during the pre-season. The Spaniard had put in hard yards during the summer transfer window to be ready for the new campaign. However, he was ruled out for weeks due to a serious injury in the first week of pre-season training. The Spanish midfielder is completely fit now, so the coming few weeks will be crucial for him to get back to complete rhythm.
Nagelsmann previously wanted to sign Roca at RB Leipzig. The German manager reportedly wants to give Roca a fair chance this season to fulfill his potential. If things don’t go right for Roca this season, then a move away from Bavaria will become likely next summer.
Next. Bayern can fit Rudiger in current wage structure. dark
Meanwhile, this season is most likely the last chance saloon for Cuisance. Despite a poor loan spell at Marseille, Die Roten was reportedly ready to listen to offers for him during summer. Time is running out for Cuisance to prove himself at Bayern. The next three months are crucial for him, or else he may be on his way out on loan or permanent transfer in January.