Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann impressed by Tanguy Nianzou’s performance against Benfica

Bayern Munich reserved themselves a spot in the Champions League knockouts after a major 5-2 win versus SL Benfica on Tuesday. Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to rotate the team coupled with an injured-ridden backline ruled out some familiar faces from the starting XI against the Portuguese side.

With both Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Süle unavailable for the game, Tanguy Nianzou earned himself a spot in the starting lineup for the third time this season. The Frenchman delivered a commendable performance and was successful in impressing the boss.

Nagelsmann made his maiden appearance on the sidelines on Tuesday after recovering from the coronavirus. He commented, “He wasn’t going to play if the other two (Süle and Hernandez) had been fit. Tanguy played an outstanding game. If you factor in how little game time he has, that was a very, very strong performance. The passes he sent into the half-space were really good. What he can already do and what he did very well today, besides his strength on the ball, was defending. He is very aggressive and defended very cleverly.”

While sharing his thoughts on the game, Dayot Upamecano made sure to acknowledge and applaud the fellow Frenchman’s performance. He said, “We’re always focused. I’m very happy about the game. It was a nice evening for us. For Tanguy, I am very happy. He played so well, with a lot of courage and concentration. He gave everything.”

Nianzou had a very brief post-game conversation with the press. The teenager reacted, “I’m very happy. The team played very well. We have to focus on the next game.” Reiterating Nagelsmann’s comment, that was indeed a fantastic performance especially when the lack of game time is taken into consideration.

(Quotes via @iMiaSanMia on Twitter)