"Like a lion…": Upamecano aims to take on a leadership role at Bayern | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, the defense currently stands like a rock. With Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, the Munich team has two central defenders who combine stability, leadership qualities, and game intelligence – and both claim the role of the defense chief for themselves.

Tah, who came from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, has immediately established himself as a stabilizer in the Kompany team. The national player impresses with calmness on the ball, tactical overview, and strong tackling. Upamecano, on the other hand, is experiencing his most consistent phase in the Bayern jersey – and wants to take on more responsibility.

Upamecano: "In my position, I have to speak up"

Photo: IMAGO

In an interview with Le Parisien, the 26-year-old Frenchman spoke openly about his role in the team – and about his inner transformation: "I often hear that I am different on the field than off it. That's true. In real life, I am usually a calm and reserved person. But when I step onto the field, I am like a lion coming out of its cage."

Upamecano emphasizes how important communication and responsibility have become for him: "In my position, I have to speak up; that's important as a defender. If a teammate is not playing well, I like to encourage him and talk to him."

What was once considered a weakness – his reserved nature – is currently turning into one of his greatest strengths. Under Vincent Kompany, Upamecano seems to find exactly the balance he previously lacked: concentration, aggressiveness, and leadership instinct.

Kompany shapes Bayern's new defensive identity

Coach Vincent Kompany, himself once a world-class defender, has given Bayern's game a clear defensive structure. His signature is evident not only in the organization but also in the demeanor of his defenders.

While Tah shines with calmness and consistency, Upamecano brings dynamism and emotionality – a duo that complements each other optimally. Who is the actual defense chief among them? There is currently no clear answer – and that might be Bayern's recipe for success: two chiefs, one voice, maximum stability.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.