Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann waxes on the future of the defense

Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has heard the rumors and seen the stories:

• Benjamin Pavard wants to play center-back.
• Niklas Süle might transfer away
• Tanguy Nianzou wants more playing time.
• Chris Richards wants to come back and usurp a roster spot.

Clearly, the backline has a lot of moving parts and Nagelsmann addressed a few of the situations in his weekly press conference.

Nagelsmann first game his comments on Benjamin Pavard’s form and his desire to play centrally.

“We often have a different structure, we don’t always play with two normal fullbacks. We have four or five attackers, and they’re all in great form. It took Benji a bit of time to get in form. He has to bring his qualities, which he undoubtedly has, to the pitch,” said Nagelsmann (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia). “He (Pavard) did well against Benfica. It’s about having a balance between attack and defensive stability. He prefers to play centre-back. He has now done that a few times in the back three.”

As for Süle and his rumored transfer, Nagelsmann thinks the club will have a say in how things shake out.

“I don’t think he will decide his future on his own. It also includes the club. He’s doing a good job, I can imagine he will extend,” said Nagesmann. “I really enjoy working with him and will try to influence what I can. Everything else is then no longer in my hands.”