“I wrote Julian directly”
Even Reus’ tantrum goes wrong
After the 4-2 win against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano spoke to SPORT1 about his top form, the change of coach at the record champions and the rumors about his national team colleague Randal Kolo Muani.
From routine to boss!
Dayot Upamecano leaves a mixed first season at FC Bayern an outstanding second follow.
The French central defender proved that once again in the 4-2 win in the top game against Borussia Dortmund – not only with his long pass, which led to Gregor Kobel’s mistake and Munich’s opening goal, but also with his strong duel and clean opening of the game.
The BVB offensive around Sébastien Haller had against the fast and robust Upamecano almost nothing to report. (INDIVIDUAL REVIEW: Upamecano “world class”)
No wonder the 24-year-old Frenchman left the Allianz Arena in high spirits on Saturday night.
Before that he was standing SPORTS1 but still for a short interview and answering questions – in which, in addition to his own condition, he also addressed the change of coach at the record champions and the Bayern rumors about his national team colleague and buddy Randal Kolo Muani.
SPORT1: Dayot, FC Bayern is back at the top of the Bundesliga after beating BVB 4-2. How important is this victory?
Dayot Upamecano: It was very important to beat Dortmund. We always want to be at the top. And I think you saw that on the pitch. However, we know that the championship has not yet been decided. It goes on.
SPORT1: They were instrumental in scoring the first goal, generally having an outstanding season and becoming a crowd favourite. What have you changed compared to your mixed debut season?
Upamecano: I’m happy that things are going so well for me. After my first season here, I questioned myself, thought a lot about myself and my achievements, and also talked to my family about what I could do better. I then trained hard during the summer break in France and also worked a lot with a fitness coach. That was important to me because I want to play as much as possible and help the team.
SPORT1: Julian Nagelsmann has often praised you and given you confidence in the form of playing time. Are you sad that he is no longer your coach?
Upamecano: Of course I felt sorry for his dismissal. I also wrote him directly when I heard about it and thanked him. He was an important coach for me, also in Leipzig, we worked together for almost five years and won a lot together. It’s definitely not a good time for him. But this is football, we have to look ahead and keep winning our games.
SPORT1: What impression makes Nagelsmann’s successor Thomas Tuchel on them? Does it benefit you that he speaks French?
Upamecano: (laughs) Sure, he’s good at French, but his speeches are in German and that’s not a problem for me either, because my German isn’t that bad by now. About Thomas Tuchel: He’s a great coach, we all know that. The first few days with him were very positive, including the win against Dortmund, of course. We have a top team that always wants to win. That’s why we play football!
SPORT1: Would be in this top team still room for your buddy Randal Kolo Muani?
Upamecano: (grins) I don’t know. But why not? I can only say, that Kolo is a great player with a great mentality. I hope that we can win many more games together with France and that he will help us with many goals. He just has to carry on as before.