MY ACCOUNT
Julian Nagelsmann is anxious to see Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Yann Sommer reach a conclusion as the Bundesliga champions prepare to return to action at RB Leipzig on Friday.
Bayern have been strongly linked with Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Sommer since Manuel Neuer broke his leg during a skiing trip last month.
With Sven Ulreich the only other senior goalkeeper in Bayern’s squad and Alexander Nubel reportedly reluctant to return from a loan spell at Monaco, Nagelsmann said the club has “a duty” to sign another shot-stopper last week.
Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn has revealed discussions are ongoing regarding a move for Sommer, and Nagelsmann is eager for the transfer saga to reach a resolution.
“I’ve been a coach long enough to know it’s never easy. There are always more than two parties that need to be satisfied,” Nagelsmann said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
“We need a decision to happen. I’d like to change the transfer window so it doesn’t affect the ongoing matches as much.
“It’s normal that at some point you want to have a certain amount of peace and quiet in this position.
“Integrating a new goalkeeper is not rocket science. This usually takes about 15 minutes, it works quickly. It depends on the goalkeeper, generally the behaviour is very similar.”
With Sommer having 272 Bundesliga appearances to his name, some have suggested his arrival could mark the end of Neuer’s time as Bayern’s number one, but Nagelsmann remains focused on the immediate need for reinforcements.
“It’s more a matter for the people further up,” Nagelsmann said. “I might have some things to say on that, but my business is day-to-day business, winning games.
“I assume that Manuel Neuer, a great goalkeeper, will come back in the summer. We’re looking forward to a player of his quality returning.”
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann is yet to decide whether Thomas Muller will see off competition from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to start as Bayern’s striker against Leipzig, saying he is comfortable using the 33-year-old in a variety of positions.
“Thomas had an injury where he couldn’t play as much in the first part of the season. Thomas is an extremely important player for me, I’m always exchanging with him,” Nagelsmann said.
“He’s aware that Choupo-Moting is doing very well, but he’s also intelligent enough to know that he is world-class in several positions.
“It’s important that all the players are in top condition and that we see that on Friday. The same goes for Thomas, he’s very flexible. He likes to play in attacking midfield but can play in different areas, so he’s going to be important for Bayern going forward.
“I’ve already decided on six positions out of 11. I won’t reveal whether Choupo-Moting is among the six. I’ll sleep on it for two more nights.”
