At 21:30 on the evening of August 25, in the first round of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich will face Wolfsburg away. Ahead of the game, Bayern coach Coman attended a press conference where he discussed issues such as competing for the title and how to select the starting lineup.
Speaking about De Ligt, Coman said: “I never said De Ligt is the team’s top defender. If I said something like that, it would be foolish, it doesn’t fit with the team’s plan or reality. Would I say this to a player who I know might leave? It makes no sense.”
Regarding his debut with Bayern, he said: “I’m not nervous, but very much looking forward to it. This is a huge challenge, and we are fully prepared.”
Talking about his coaching style, Coman said: “For a coach, individual communication with players is important. When you convey information, whether the player accepts it is something I have gained a lot of experience in, and I understand how the locker room works. How will I choose the starting lineup? You must quickly get to know the players, and as you become more familiar, you’ll understand them better. You need clear criteria, but sometimes it’s also a feeling – the opponent may change, and players’ conditions can vary. You must retain the space for improvisation and also listen to your intuition.”
Talking about whether Goretzka will play as a center-back, Coman said: “Goretzka has already proven that he can do this. We have several players who can play multiple positions, which is fortunate.”
Speaking about the title race, Coman said: “Our mindset is to want to win every game. Leverkusen performed excellently last year, and I think we need 90 points to win the title this season. To achieve this, we need everyone to perform at their best.”
Talking about Kimmich’s position, Coman said: “Throughout his career, Kimmich has always had the ability to play right-back, plus Boli and Stanisic, we have two excellent right-backs. As an option during the season, anything is possible, and I prefer seeing Kimmich play in midfield. He plays there not because he is Kimmich, but because he proves every day in training that he should be there. He also looks like he enjoys playing in midfield.”
Talking about the lineup for the first round match, Coman said: “Will Aouar and Palhinha start? They are likely to play many games this season, but for tomorrow’s starting lineup, let me keep it a secret for now.”
Talking about the opponents, Coman said: “Wolfsburg is a team capable of making it into European competition. We will face a strong opponent, and the away game will be tough. In my view, showing the character of the team is important.”