The Bayern Munich locker room might not be as harmonious as it seems. New manager Thomas Tuchel has shaken things up with some bold lineup decisions, including benching star players Thomas Müller and Alphonso Davies in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City. But there’s a brewing issue that has gone under the radar – the case of fullback Noussair Mazraoui. He’s been getting very little playing time since the Rückrunde began and he’s clearly not happy about it. Mazraoui has openly expressed his disappointment, stating that he’s not even second or third choice for the position. With tension building, it will be interesting to see how Tuchel handles the situation and if it could have wider implications for the team’s success.
Mazraoui’s absence from the Bayern Munich lineup has been a topic of discussion amongst fans and pundits alike. The Moroccan star’s initial absence was due to complications following his COVID-19 infection during the FIFA 2022 Men’s World Cup. However, even after his clearance to return, he has struggled to get back into the lineup. This struggle has been further compounded by the arrival of Manchester City’s João Cancelo on loan during the winter transfer window. Despite being a world-class player himself, Cancelo has put pressure on Mazraoui’s prospects at both left and right-back positions. Mazraoui’s comments about feeling left out in the cold are concerning, and it remains to be seen how Bayern will handle the situation going forward.
Despite his limited appearances under Thomas Tuchel, Noussair Mazraoui has the technical ability and dynamism to fit seamlessly into his 2-3-5 in possession structure on either side of the pitch. Bayern has finally secured a skilled full-back in Mazraoui, who came on a free transfer. However, with the uncertainty around the future of Cancelo and Benjamin Pavard, Bayern cannot afford to squander this opportunity. Skilled full-backs don’t grow on trees and Mazraoui’s potential contribution to the team should not be overlooked.
