Football

Upamecano prefers his 'own path' to comparison with Bayern greats

01.12.2021, 14:01

Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich wants to avoid comparisions to great previous defenders at the club such as Jerome Boateng and David Alaba.

"I don't put myself under pressure, I just want to go my own way as they also went their own ways," the 23-year-old told club magazine '51' in an interview published Wednesday.

"They have won many titles here - hat tip! But I will not compare myself to them, rather concentrate on myself because looking at others never brings you further.

"You always have everything in your own hands."

Upamecano moved to the champions from RB Leipzig for 42.5 million euros ( dollars) in summer on a contract to 2026.

Boateng and Alaba left Bayern at the end of last season to end decade-long stays in Munich. The former is at Olympique Lyon in France and the latter with Real Madrid.

Upamecano made his debut for world champions France a year ago and now has six senior caps.

"I have worked hard to now experience everything," he said. "I always tell myself: your time will come.

"And now I have to use this chance. I want to give everything in every game and try to win as many titles as possible with Bayern and my national team.

"You have to stay calm and humble. Listening is very important. And it's always about focusing on the next game."

The next game for Upamecano is tough one as leaders Bayern travel to second-placed Borussia Dortmund where he will duel with young Norwegian star striker Erling Haaland.