Share this @internewscast.com

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has moved to quell rumours surrounding Manchester United and Arsenal target Matthijs de Ligt’s future at the club.

De Ligt was a surprising exclusion from the Bayern starting lineup for their top of the table clash with Bayer Leverkusen, with new signing Eric Dier being preferred to the Dutch international for the thumping 3-0 defeat at the Bay Arena.

Since then, reports of De Ligt’s discontent at being snubbed by manager Thomas Tuchel has hit the headlines in Germany, leading to rumours that Premier League giants United and Arsenal could be preparing a summer move for the former Juventus and Ajax centre-back.

Speaking to the press, Bayern’s sporting director Freund has admitted that De Ligt was ‘disappointed’ after being dropped by Tuchel for Saturday’s clash with Leverkusen, but insisted that the club are keen to keep hold of the player.

“Of course it was a disappointment for him, but we are happy to have him with us. We have a lot of competition. Matthijs knows that, he’s handling it professionally and is a top professional,” said Freund (via Georg Holzner).

BundesligaBayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern Munchen

Dropped to the bench / ANP/GettyImages

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash with SS Lazio on Wednesday evening, manager Tuchel has also given an explanation for why De Ligt wasn’t included in the starting lineup at the weekend.

“He is having a difficult time because of the competition. He had a difficult decision over the weekend. He had a little back pain problem; he got treatment in the hotel before the match, and then I decided not to take the risk of letting him start,” the boss explained.

“Even in the best case, he wouldn’t have finished the game and Upamecano couldn’t play for 90 minutes, so I needed four centre-defenders so I could not risk a back problem during the game for Matthijs.

“I was 95% he could make it, but I didn’t want to gamble on this 5%. He’s a natural fighter, a guy who made space at Ajax and Juventus. We’ll need him, there is tough competition at the moment, and hopefully, it stays like this because this is what we need.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Reality TV Star Explains Why He’s Relieved About Potential Leg Amputation After Severe Injury in Football Match

AFL content creator and reality TV personality Connor Rogers has expressed his…

Ex-Drug Dealer for Fallen NRL Star Shares His Journey to Redemption with Help from Childhood Friend Braith Anasta

Aaron Macey has fought diligently over the past four years to reshape…

Borussia Dortmund’s Rule Change Intensifies Pressure on Jobe Bellingham

Jobe Bellingham has been reassured that his slow start at Borussia Dortmund…

Mark Clattenburg Criticizes Refs’ Chief Howard Webb, Citing Pay Disputes and Event Snubs

Mark Clattenburg has accused Howard Webb of pursuing personal agendas and recounted…

Man United’s Expensive Exits Highlight Ruben Amorim’s Struggles on the Big Stage. Talent Worth £328m Sold at a Fraction Sparks Further Doubts, Reports CHRIS WHEELER

Last month, after Marcus Rashford netted twice in his Champions League debut…

Rangers Manager Russell Martin Encourages Team to Push Forward Despite Late Victory Against Livi Not Easing Fan Frustration

Rangers boss Russell Martin has challenged his team to claw their way back…

Discover the Ex-Premier League Player Turned Food Influencer: How He Traded Soccer for Cooking – Plus His Tips for Staying Fit

Twelve years ago, Marc Pugh was on the precipice of football’s upper…