When FC Bayern were humiliated in the top game against Bayer Leverkusen, Mathijs de Ligt was on the bench for 90 minutes. Will the defender be used in the Champions League game against Lazio?
In July 2022, FC Bayern signed Mathijs de Ligt – the Dutchman was supposed to become the record champions’ new defense boss. But injuries set the 24-year-old back. In mid-December, de Ligt returned from a torn knee ligament and played convincingly in his first games.
It was all the more surprising that coach Thomas Tuchel did without the defender in the top game in Leverkusen. In addition to the Englishman Eric Dier, who was only loaned out from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter, Tuchel had the returnees Dayot Upamecano (after injury) and Minjae Kim (after the Asian Cup) on defense. The result is known: FC Bayern lost 3-0 without a hitch.
Is de Ligt on the sidelines?
Why didn’t Tuchel rely on de Ligt? Is the Dutch international, who was placed under Julian Nagelsmann, on the sidelines? After being benched in the top game, De Ligt said that he was “top fit”. Before the first leg of the round of 16 at Lazio Rome (9 p.m. / live in the radio report), the coach spoke of a difficult decision in Leverkusen. “I didn’t want to take any risks. Matthijs had a little back problem. He was treated before the game. Then I decided not to let him start,” explained the coach.
And he vigorously rejected the question of whether de Ligt was only his number four central defender: “These are categories that I cannot share,” said Tuchel.
De Ligt is “a born fighter,” added Tuchel, “he has asserted himself at Ajax and Juventus. We count on him and need him.” The 24-year-old could benefit from his Italian experience against Lazio Rome – he played for Juve in Serie A for three years and therefore knows the game system of his round of 16 opponents Lazio, as does his defender colleague Minjae Kim, who came from SSC Napoli this season.
Manchester United interested in de Ligt?
Meanwhile, English media are reporting that Manchester United is interested in de Ligt. The “Mirror” writes that the Dutchman is “unhappy” in Munich. ManUnited would like to bring in the 24-year-old in the summer.
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Source: BR24Sport February 14, 2024 – 9:00 p.m