Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann should clear up a defensive riddle forward of Saturday’s Bundesliga match in opposition to VfB Stuttgart and subsequent week’s Champions League conflict in opposition to Paris St Germain.
His finest defender at the moment, in-form Benjamin Pavard, is suspended for his or her Round of 16 match in opposition to the French aspect subsequent week after his pink card within the first leg in Paris the place Bayern received 1-0.
His substitute subsequent week would doubtless be fellow France worldwide Dayot Upamecano, again from his one-match league suspension final week.
Nagelsmann mentioned he may find yourself utilizing Upamecano on Saturday in opposition to Stuttgart regardless of Pavard’s present type in an effort to give him match apply forward of Wednesday.
“This is a decision we will take tomorrow,” Nagelsmann advised a information convention on Friday when requested about who would play in opposition to Stuttgart.
“Obviously Benji is in outstanding form and we want to and have to win the league game against Stuttgart. Looking at it isolated he has to play… but there is the issue of his suspension for Wednesday.”
The Bavarians’ rocky begin to the 12 months has seen their lead within the Bundesliga evaporate and they’re at the moment solely forward on aim distinction from second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who even have 46 factors.
“Benji would understand it if he would not play (on Saturday) based on the rhythm necessary (also for Wednesday) but on the other hand it’s primarily about winning a Bundesliga game,” mentioned the coach.
Bayern go into Wednesday’s Champions League conflict with their 1-0 benefit however whereas PSG striker Kylian Mbappe solely performed a substitute function resulting from a minor damage, he’ll play within the return leg.
“For Wednesday we need a different solution (than Pavard) that could and will go by the name of Upamecano. His speed and power would help against Mbappe,” Nagelsmann mentioned.
“Apart from Alphonso (Davies) he is the one player who can keep up with that speed. Maybe not the entire time but he is a very fast player. It is an interesting consideration… and we will need to decide.”
