“Bayern Munich is like shark tank”- Konrad Laimer reflects on competition in squad

Bayern Munich have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Bundesliga, winning four of their six league games and two draws against Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt. Vincent Kompany has quickly implemented an attractive and intense style of football at Bayern since arriving in the summer.

The Belgian coach has been getting the best out of several players. He has rotated well in the attack when there are two games in a week. However, Kompany has been sticking with the midfield combination of Aleksandar Pavlović and Joshua Kimmich.

Courtesy of consistent selection in the midfield, the likes of João Palhinha and Konrad Laimer have found it difficult to play in the midfield this season. Laimer has been used in the right-back position since Sacha Boey and Josip Stanišić are nursing serious injuries.

Palhinha still got one start in midfield this season, but Laimer is yet to start in his best position. Moreover, his game time has considerably decreased since last season. In the absence of natural right-backs, Laimer is sharing the duties of this role with Raphaël Guerreiro.

Despite the difficult start to the season, Laimer is upbeat about the season with Bayern. While talking to the media during the international break (via iMiaSanMia), Laimer insisted that he was embracing competition at the club and described the situation as similar to a shark tank.

"That's football. I play for FC Bayern Munich and it's not make a wish whether you play or not. It's, as people say, a 'shark tank', you have to establish yourself. Of course there's a lot of competition and good players. There are so many games this season. I will put my all into it and I know that I have what it takes"

- Konrad Laimer

Laimer needs to improve on the ball to start regularly under Kompany

Laimer has made six appearances for Bayern this season, but four have come off the bench. He has accumulated game time of meager 198 minutes. The former RB Leipzig midfielder will get much-needed game time for Austria during the international break.

After returning to Bayern next week, Laimer will be in contention for the right-back spot in the starting XI. The Austrian works hard off the ball, which helps in executing the pressing style Kompany demands.

However, the Belgian coach also wants his midfielders to be exquisite on the ball. Laimer will have to sharpen his skillset on the ball to get more opportunities in the midfield under Kompany.

The games will come thick and fast after the international break as Bayern play in three competitions. Laimer will get opportunities to play, but it will be on him to make the most of it. Considering the temperament and attitude of Laimer, he will have a significant role to play for Die Roten as the season progresses. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)