What do you do when Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, and Wolfsburg are trying to sign you from your club where you're not playing? You join one of them. What if you play for Bayern Munich and they tell you not leave? Sebastian Rode had to make that decision.
"It's a nice thing to take notice of and shows the appreciation from other clubs," Rode told Kicker. "And, of course, you consider offers, especially when you fail to make the matchday squad for the season opener, and don't get any playing time in the second match of the season."
Rode has played a total of 8 minutes for Bayern to date this season. It would be understandable that Rode would seek more playing time at another club like Dante did, "but I was told that I am needed here, and that I should stay. I've quickly accepted it."
With the upcoming schedule congestion due to the Champions League group stage, one would expect Rode to get more playing time. In the meantime, "The situation's not easy, but it's not my nature to lament. You have to continue to step on the gas in training -- there's no other way."
Xabi Alonso is the prime midfield candidate set for needing rest this season. Rode, however, has shown he's capable of playing in multiple positions in Pep Guardiola's side. The Spaniard loves Rode and declared that he'll always have a spot on his team.