The end of the dynamic duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery saw FC Bayern Munich transition into a new era in attack. As a result, players such as Kingsley Coman will be under the spotlight this season.
Suffering an injury riddled career in Bavaria, the French winger is determined to carry the attacking baton. “I like to take responsibility,” Coman said in an interview with L’Equipe (via Bild). The 23 year-old acknowledges the expectation and importance of a positive season at FC Bayern, but he does not feel as if the pressure placed on him personally has increased with the departure of Robben and Ribery:
Nothing has really changed since last year. People already expected a lot of me. The succession had already started; I already felt very important.
Coman’s talent and determination to succeed are apparent. “I never relax,” he said. The winger has scored one goal and assisted two in three Bundesliga games for Die Roten. Despite the potential of stardom in Bavaria, however, the Frenchman states that it isn’t his priority:
If I always play and help the team to win, the star status will come automatically. However, being praised the most is not what I’m looking for.
As the 23 year-old commences his fifth season at FC Bayern, Coman appreciates his developing role and involvement within the team.
Since last year I have the feeling that my teammates involve me more. During a game, Thomas Müller came to me and said, “It’s up to you to make the difference.”
The winger’s start to the Bundesliga season is one both the player and fans have been relishing. As legends leave the club, those remaining players carry the responsibility of taking the club forward into a new era. FC Bayern’s quest for a twenty-ninth league title provides an opportunity for Coman to shine in Bavaria.