Dietmar Hamann criticizes Marcel Sabitzer and his move to Bayern Munich

Marcel Sabitzer is an essential member of the Austrian national team and earns as much playing time as just about anyone his country. Over the international break, Sabitzer scored for Austria and was able to celebrate his own goals for a change. Back at Bayern Munich, the 27-year-old has had little to celebrate his own accomplishments so far. In eight appearances for Bayern, the Austrian has only seen 169 minutes of play.

Sabitzer moved from RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich in the summer for just €15 million. Still, former player and Sky Sports pundit Dietmar Hamann criticized the transfer in an interview with SPOX and Goal. “He’s too undisciplined for me. He’s too hot-headed for me on six because you need someone who exudes calm,” said Hamann in the interview.

This criticism doesn’t seem to have any real merit and Sabitzer is a leader on the pitch similar to Joshua Kimmich. Does that mean that yelling and showing passion is a negative factor in a player’s game? Don’t think so Hamann. As for playtime, it’s not easy to get playtime when you have the Goretzka and Kimmich tandem in the midfield holding it down. However, Julian Nagelsmann has promised Sabitzer more playing time.

“Sabi is an outstanding player who will get his playing times. He did not come here with the self-image of playing every game from the start or immediately ousting one of the other two in the position,” said Nagelsmann who worked with Sabitzer in Leipzig.

To be fair, Sabitzer could also play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, so it is surprising to see the Austrian with such little playtime thus far. Nonetheless, Nagelsmann surely has a plan for Sabitzer especially with the number of minutes that Kimmich and Goretzka have been playing for club and country, they will need some rest and Sabitzer will provide solid coverage as a replacement.