In the final moments of the last match for Bayern Munich, Matthijs de Ligt was brought on as a defensive midfielder. Coach Thomas does not rule out that De Ligt might play in unfamiliar positions more often.
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In the injury time of the match won 1-2 against Borussia Mönchengladbach, De Ligt came on for Kane. Mathys Tel became the sole striker, and De Ligt played alongside Joshua Kimmich as a holding midfielder. During the early games of the season, De Ligt started on the bench. The central defender is behind Min-jae Kim and Dayot Upamecano in the pecking order.
'We needed Matthijs at number 6 because Konrad Laimer was playing right-back,' Tuchel explained in Bayern's press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Bayer Leverkusen. 'Matthijs did well. We need everyone, maybe even in unusual positions. He's competing with Upamecano and Kim for a spot in his favored position.'
It's still uncertain whether Tuchel can count on Jamal Musiala and Kimmich for Friday night. 'Jamal has slight back pain, but he's trained well and pain-free for the past two days. If that continues, he'll be in the squad tomorrow, and we'll see how long he can play. Kimmich is doubtful; he returned injured from the national team. We're still waiting for Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, and then we're ready to beat Leverkusen.'
Tuchel is looking forward to facing Xabi Alonso, the coach of Leverkusen. 'When he was a player, you could already tell he might become a good coach. I learned a lot about football from watching him as a player. He was a key figure everywhere. He had a natural charisma.'
Updated: 03:33, 14 Sep 2023
