FC Bayern II still believes in direct promotion - Brazzo's son should now take off

Created: 2022-01-17Updated: 2022-01-17, 3:10 p.m

By: Corbinian Kothny

Nick Salihamidzic, son of FCB sporting director Hasan, is attacking FC Bayern's U23 team with immediate effect.

© Imago Images / passion2Press

FC Bayern II has not yet written off direct resurgence.

In the second half of the season, Hasan Salihamidzic's son should help with the catch-up hunt.

Munich

- Four points behind leaders Bayreuth and one more game played, the small Bavarians take it with them into the new year.

But there is no sign of resignation in FC Bayern's second representation.

Martín Demichelis' team is still sticking to the goal they set before the season: direct promotion back to the 3rd division.

The record champion's talent pool started on January 10th to prepare for the second half of the season.

And this time it's longer than usual.

After a three-week winter break, the Demichelis boys have five and a half weeks to get in shape for the opening game on February 26 at FC Pipinsried.

FC Bayern II: Towering over 18-year-olds Motika and Vidović

“The main goal is to get back to the same level as before the winter break. The first week can be thought of as the introductory week for the entire preparation. In the second and third week, the intensity keeps increasing,” the Argentinian explains his plan on the club’s website. For some U23 players, however, the winter break ended earlier than planned. The reason: the Corona emergency among the professionals. A double-edged sword for Demichelis: “You mustn't forget that many of our players only had a ten-day break after last season. We've played 24 games so far this season. That's almost a full season in just four months. That's just too much for such a young squad.The shortage of personnel in Julian Nagelsmann's team ended the winter break that was actually planned for four weeks. “We still have to be ready to help the first team. That is always our goal. Personally, I'm very happy when the boys get the chance to learn from the pros," explains the 41-year-old.

After the squad of professionals fills up again, Motika and Co. will gradually come back to the preparation of the U23.

In 2021, Motika himself was part of the offensive trio of Bayern amateurs that opponents feared.

Oliver Batista-Meier, Gabriel Vidović and Nemanja Motika alone scored 39 of Bayern's 73 goals in the first half of the season.

In 2022, Vidovic and Motika will have to take on even more responsibility.

Batista-Meier switched to second division club Dynamo Dresden during the winter break.

"Their scoring rates are impressive," explains veteran Timo Kern, highlighting the two 18-year-olds Vidović and Motika: "Both are playing their first seasons in the men's division.

That makes it all the more remarkable.

We act in the team structure in such a way that all the boys can optimally use their strengths.”

FC Bayern II: Salihamidžić's son is raised by U19s

In addition to Batista-Meier's departure, there were other changes to the squad during the winter break. The squad was strengthened by both transfers and own U19 youth players. On the one hand, 18-year-old Hyun-ju Lee came from South Korea and is scheduled for the U23s. And on the other hand, Nick Salihamidžić, Liam Morrison, David Herold and Younes Aitamer were raised from the A youth team to the second team. Nick Salihamidžić is the son of sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić and the cousin of Lukas Copado, who made his Bundesliga debut for the first team against Borussia Mönchengladbach on January 7th. Torben Rhein has also recovered from his ankle injury and is fully resilient again.

The 'newcomers' can prove themselves for the first time on January 22nd when the amateurs welcome FC Ismaning.

On January 28th, the Demichelis-Elf will play their second preparatory game against the regional league team SSV Ulm.

The main focus there will probably be on the defensive performance: "We still concede too many goals, especially from set pieces," criticized captain Nico Feldhahn recently.

That's why midfield Rotinier Kern's route for the new year is as follows: "Bayreuth is currently showing us how to do it.

They sometimes play 'dirty', but get the three points and often keep a clean sheet.” (kk)