Kingsley Coman says he wants to be Bayern Munich’s “spark” this season

Kingsley Coman has gotten off to a fantastic start for Bayern Munich in the 2019-2020 campaign. The Frenchmen has already scored twice and provided three assists in five appearances across all competitions and been one of Bayern’s most consistent performers. The 23-year-old also bagged a brace for France during their 4-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Albania at the Stade de France.

In a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe (transcribed via Bundesliga.com), Coman said that he wants to be the “spark” for Bayern this season and that he isn’t bothered by the pressure that’s now on him given the departures of both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery:

I’m not really about status. I want to help my team and above all, win. I want to be there in terms of stats but also in the game itself – I want to provide the spark for the team. Beyond that, if I’m playing all the time and I’m helping the team to win, then star status will come. But to be the most acclaimed player is not what I’m after.

With Robben and Ribery now gone, there is an extra onus on creative guys in the squad like Coman to take on defenders and attempt to create some sort of attacking opportunity. More is being asked from Coman by his teammates, but he doesn’t mind the added responsibility:

I’ve had the feeling since last season that my teammates are asking more of me. During one match Thomas Müller came up to me and said ‘You’re the one who has to make the difference.’ I like that extra responsibility. Does it make me stronger? No. I’ve always been demanding. But I like it.

A lot of the criticism that Coman’s received in recent seasons has surrounded his final product. There is no doubting the fact that he’s quick, talented on the ball, and has the ability to take defenders on with ease, but his decision-making in the final third has often times been questioned. This is something he says he’s made a point of working on, especially with how much time he has had to personally reflect on his game during his two lengthy injury layovers for Bayern Munich:

I’ve developed. Before, I maybe didn’t have as much diligence in my final action because I knew I was going to get the ball again. But now, when I have to go for it, it will be with a killer instinct and a willingness to be effective every time.

Having played at a number of big clubs throughout his career already, the consistency is something he knows is 100% expected of him, especially at Bayern:

I’ve been lucky enough to only play with big clubs. I know to what extent consistency is essential. I’m steeped in that mentality. I never slacken off. You know in all the clubs that I’ve been, if you lose two matches in a row it’s a crisis. I’ve always been steeped in this absolute requirement [to perform and win matches].

Looking forward, Coman wants to make the most of his opportunities for both club and country this season, especially since he has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Niko Kovac. The domestic double is the expectation and Coman, like every other player in the Bayern squad, would love to add the Champions League to his trophy closet:

It’s the first season where I’ve really been a regular starter. There’s the Euros too so I’ll give my all. I don’t want to have any regrets at the end. If I could beat a record by being a champion in every one of my years as a pro, I would be really happy. All I’m missing is the Champions League and a major title with France. I’d love to experience that kind of emotion.

Kingsley Coman - Bayern’s difference maker