Bayern Munich have struggled defensively throughout Ruckrunde. The lack of defensive stability across the team has made sure Bayern consistently dropped points in the league. Thomas Tuchel has struggled to arrest the defensive issues.
The German coach changed personnel in central defense during the run of three defeats in February. Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier have been given a long run in the starting XI. The results have been inconsistent for Bayern, but Dier and De Ligt have done a reasonable job together in the heart of the defense.
Courtesy of the form of De Ligt and Dier, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae have lost their places in the starting lineup. Upamecano and Kim Min-jae were Tuchel’s preferred center-back pairing during Hinrunde. The French defender has particularly struggled during Ruckrunde, getting sent off twice in different competitions.
Upamecano is not pleased with the lack of game time in the past couple of months. According to SportBild, the French international wants to hold talks with the club hierarchy to get clarity about his role in the squad.
It remains to be seen if Bayern wants to cash in for Upamecano. The former RB Leipzig defender has been inconsistent since arriving in Munich two seasons ago. He has made mistakes in high-profile Champions League games in the last two campaigns. The 25-year-old is not consistent over the entire season. He does well in patches, which has led to his current situation.
Upamecano started against Heidenheim last weekend. Bayern ended up losing the game despite taking a two-goal lead. Along with the poor performance of the team, Upamecano also struggled defensively. Tuchel is looking to win as many games as possible before leaving Die Roten in the summer. De Ligt and Dier are giving him better stability in the defense. He is likely to stick with them for the rest of the season.
It will be intriguing to see if Bayern will look to cash in for Upamecano in the summer. De Ligt has already ruled out a move away from Munich, while Kim Min-jae is also going to stay after a decent debut season. The record Bundesliga champions are expected to sign a center-back in the summer after their failed moves for Ronald Araujo and Radu Dragusin. They had to settle for the stop-gap option in Eric Dier.
Upamecano’s contract at Bayern expires in 2026. If he doesn’t get adequate assurances of consistent playing time next season, a summer move may suit all parties.