- Mathematis expresses concern over Bavaria's absence of a defense leader, lacking the necessary "poverty certificate."
Lothar Matthäus, 63, thinks Bayern Munich's shaky defense is their main issue following a rocky start to the new Bundesliga campaign. He finds it perplexing that Matthijs de Ligt was let go. "If de Ligt hadn't departed, I wouldn't be fretting over Bayern's defense right now," he elaborated in his Sky column. "That's a choice we've gotta live with, but numerous individuals, including team members, are scratching their heads because they know they're having trouble at the back. And then they offload their finest defender."
Matthäus labels it a "mess" that Bayern lacks a strong commander in defense: "Defense is and will always be Bayern's Achilles heel." De Ligt, now with Manchester United, was the most reliable and "defensive maestro" of the last couple of seasons.
Bayern's defense as shaky as last term
In their 3:2 victory against VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern yet again seemed vulnerable to unforeseen missteps, just like the previous season. The 1:2 goal occurred after a blunder by defender Min-Jae Kim.
"They're picking up where they left off last season," commented Matthäus. All Bayern's center-backs are still adjusting. "Clearly, Kim and Upamecano's mistakes are causing a stir in the locker room," he added.
Matthäus is particularly unimpressed by Kim. "I don't intend to be harsh, but Kim seems to be lacking the precise, swift passing with a certain self-assuredness needed at this level. That's not what I anticipate from a top-notch team like Bayern," said the German record international.
The center-backs of champions Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are currently more composed than Bayern's. "I wouldn't consider inking someone like Jonathan Tah or another new center-back despite the defensive issues," said Matthäus. Bayern has five players capable of playing in that position - Kim, Upamecano, Eric Dier, Hiroki Ito, and Josip Stanisic. "If they sign another one, they'll have one too many."
Given the context, here are two sentences that contain the word 'Bavaria' and follow from the text:
- Lothar Matthäus, expressing his concerns about Bayern Munich's defense, mentioned that he finds it surprising that Matthijs de Ligt, a critical defender, was let go from the club, which is based in Bavaria.
- Despite the defensive issues faced by Bayern Munich, Matthäus suggested that they might not need to sign a new center-back, especially if they consider the availability of options within the club, such as players from their own academy in Bavaria.
