:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66122861/1180095317.jpg.0.jpg)
The subject of winter transfers has been a thorny one for Bayern Munich this January. Coach Hansi Flick, along with key players such and Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich, all called for new signings to bolster an injury-riddled squad. Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic responded coldly, dismissing the need for bringing in new players due to economic limitations.
Now, it seems that Brazzo has won the debate. Speaking to the press ahead of Bayern’s game against Hertha Berlin on Sunday, Hansi Flick appeared to retract his previous demand for winter transfers:
Bayern is a cool club! I’m truly thankful that I’m back at this job again. We have managed to bring calm back to the club.
I had a very, very good discussion with Hasan. We both want to be successful for Bayern. We need newcomers who help us along. I have confidence that Hasan and his scouting department will make that possible. Be we son’t do anything unwise. It’s important that we do not do anything under pressure.
On the subject of whether anyone new would come, the coach said he “would leave that open.” Flick refused to divulge any specifics, saying that nothing had taken shape as of yet. On why he had changed his tune so suddenly, Flick channeled his inner Uli Hoeness to explain:
Robert [Lewandowsi] and Serge [Gnabry] are back. They are two newcomers, so to speak ...
Robert is close to 100 percent. He’s in good condition and has no problems and no pain when shooting.
Of course, the return of both Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry to team training is is a huge boost for Bayern. Gnabry’s recovery is especially important, as his return means that the coach won’t be forced to field a makeshift lineup with Thomas Müller on the wing.
TZ reporter Manuel Bonke revealed that the aforementioned meeting between Brazzo and Hansi took place some time ago, before Bayern’s 5-2 loss in the test game against FC Nürnberg.
Interessant: Das erwähnte Gespräch mit #Salihamidzic nach den öffentlichen Transfer-Forderungen von #Flick fand bereits vergangenes Wochenende in Nürnberg statt - und zwar noch vor der 2:5-Pleite des #FCBayern im Testspiel gegen den Club. #BSCFCB https://t.co/P2dJMqUbRM
— Manuel Bonke (@mano_bonke) January 17, 2020
Interesting: the discussion with #Salihamidzic mentioned after #Flick’s public transfer requests took place already last weekend in Nürnberg — and in fact before #FCBayern’s 2:5 loss in the friendly against the Club #BSCFCB
This would mean that the friendly had no impact on Bayern’s plans for the coming season, which is not unexpected. The second half of that game was played mostly with kids, so there’s no reason for the bosses to panic over the loss.
Flick’s comments will probably be disappointing for those who were hoping for exciting new winter signings, especially Manchester City winger Leroy Sane. While there might still be something in the works behind the scenes (Bayern have been linked with PSG’s Thomas Meunier and Shakhtar’s Dodo), fans shouldn’t expect to see any significant transfer activity until the summer.