Brazzo’s strategic vision for Bayern Munich’s roster is based in realism

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidzic would love a squad full of all-stars, but he knows there has to be a balance of veterans and youngsters — along with stars and role players.

“A squad with 25 world-class players is not possible. We want to keep the current team and strengthen it in the years to come, but within our possibilities. FC Bayern will always maintain economic reason, we’ll not do crazy things,” said Salihamidzic to kicker (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia). “Bayern is an attractive club for world class players and talents. Now we again have a very interesting coach for players. He’s pure football. Our activity on the transfer market depends on the outcome of contract negotiations.”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The ongoing, immediate negotiations include possible extensions for Leon Goretzka, Niklas Süle, and Kingsley Coman. Of course, Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich, and Thomas Müller will also require new deals short as well.

Salihamidzic said the club has a strategy for how to manage of of this.

“We’ll observe everything closely until August 31st,” the sporting director said. “Corona effects and salary increases in the last two years have caused an unhealthy development. The club will act responsibly regarding finances.”

Salihamidzic has heard the rumblings that the club is in need of a new right-back — an assertion that he does not necessarily agree with.

“The market is calm at the moment. With Benjamin Pavard, we have one of the most stable right-backs around,” Salihamidzic said. “Nevertheless, we’ll observe the situation on the market closely until the window closes.”

With Julian Nagelsmann toying with a move to a 3-4-3, the right-back role could shift to a right wing-back — a position that might not suit Pavard so well. When asked if a player like Ridle Baku would be a fit and if the club regretted not signing him last summer, Salihamidzic was coy with his response.

“We had him in our radar, and he certainly had a good year in Wolfsburg,” Salihamidzic said.