Nagelsmann praises Bayern newcomer: "Rammelt a bit from behind"

Created: 05/10/2022 05:04

By: Alexander Kaindl

FC Bayern Munich took a first step out of the crisis with a 4-0 win over Leverkusen.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann also praised defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Munich - His first few weeks were not easy.

How should they be, after all, everything happened at lightning speed: the turbo agreement between Juventus Turin and FC Bayern, the trip to the USA, the first game and goal, the tough training sessions on Säbener Straße and finally the first competitive games.

Matthijs de Ligt has had a turbulent summer.

Now, in autumn, he has arrived at the German record champions.

And for that there is praise from the coach.

Julian Nagelsmann has repeatedly emphasized over the past few weeks and months that his new signing still needs some time to get used to his new club.

After all, the differences between Serie A and the Bundesliga, between the "Old Lady" and the "Black Beast" are big.

Nagelsmann praises Bayern newcomer de Ligt: "Rammelt a bit from behind"

De Ligt emphasized this again and again in interviews.

Because FC Bayern defends more actively from the front, he had to change – above all, get fitter.

This process now seems complete.

Good timing after Lucas Hernandez's injury with the Netherlands international now looking to fill the void.

De Ligt did a good job against Bayer Leverkusen (4-0).

Bayern won clearly, but after the game coach Nagelsmann not only praised the offensive.

The coach also had warm words for de Ligt: "He has a great gift for knowing what he can do perfectly and what he can't do so well and adapt his game accordingly," said the 35-year-old at the press conference after the game .

“He often follows the strikers into midfield and just won't let them turn anymore.

He then also makes a small foul and rams a bit from behind.

He's very uncomfortable there."

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Matthijs de Ligt is now a regular at Bayern Munich

Sounds a bit strange, of course, but it's clear what Nagelsmann means: De Ligt is close to his opponents, doesn't give them any space, is breathing down their necks.

The coach continued to praise: "Of course he's very strong in the air with standards, but he also defended the long balls well.

He also coaches a lot in training.

He didn't have such a good time at Juve.

It's normal that he needs a bit of rhythm, he's getting that now.

At the moment he is the stable player we were hoping for.

That's why we signed him."

Julian Nagelsmann, coach of FC Bayern Munich.

© IMAGO/osnapix / Titgemeyer

De Ligt and central defender partner Dayot Upamecano are getting better and better - the next test will probably be on Tuesday evening in the Champions League when Bayern meet Viktoria Pilsen in the third group game.

Another summer newcomer will probably be on the starting line-up.