Trained right-back
Konrad Laimer has long since become a reliable starter at FC Bayern. A man who doesn't really care about much.
Reliable worker: Konrad Laimer. IMAGO/Sven Simon
With Konrad Laimer, the proverbial glass is guaranteed to be half full rather than half empty, so it was fitting that on Wednesday evening his mouth was also half full rather than half empty. "I've got something to eat," the Austrian said as he chewed on his roll, but then paused for a few questions in the catacombs of the Allianz Arena.
What exactly was on this roll remained indefinable, even for him. "I can't even tell you, but it tastes good." That's usually enough, but Laimer preferred to hold the remaining corner between his thumb and forefinger and stated almost stoically: "We're really good."
So are Bayern , and so is he. Because Laimer, one sometimes forgets, has long played a leading role in this orchestra full of exceptional footballers.
The 28-year-old is entering his third season with the German record champions and has since stopped describing himself as a central midfielder who can also play right-back or help the team wherever he's needed. Laimer is now a right-back who might be allowed to move into midfield at times. And who definitely helps the team wherever he's needed.
"I think it's also one of my qualities that I can do that," Laimer says himself. It's no longer the case that, as a midfielder, he's mostly needed at right back. Rather, as a right back, he sometimes has to play at left back. For example, when, as happened shortly after halftime in the 3-1 win against Chelsea , left-back Josip Stanisic, who usually prefers to defend on the right, is out injured. "It just happens," Laimer explains dryly. "Left or right, it doesn't really make much difference."
Not for him anymore, anyway. It seems more like Laimer has long been programmed to simply function. And better yet, to function well. "I was even able to play left 10 for a bit at the weekend, which was fun," joked the Austrian, who would now even describe himself as a "trained" right-back: "I think I've played enough games in that position."
Konni has three chances every game.
In fact, Laimer started 50 of his 95 appearances for the record champions at right back, even though he was actually signed on a free transfer from RB Leipzig as a central midfielder two years ago and played in front of the defense for Bayern 15 times.
Bayern got off to a strong start in the new Champions League season with a 3-1 win over Chelsea. Find out how the match went and what we can expect from the Munich team this season in today's episode. Also: Kaiserslautern is gaining momentum with two consecutive wins. Could it be enough for promotion?
What began as a squad addition back in the summer of 2023 has long since become a starting eleven reinforcement. With his commitment and energy, Laimer fits perfectly into Vincent Kompany's game plan, which is entirely focused on stressing the opponent and winning the ball high. And because the coach demands his full-backs to stand high when in possession and move into the center, Laimer is allowed to play a kind of midfielder at least occasionally.
One, by the way, who defines himself not only through his fighting spirit and tackling prowess (as in the save against Enzo Fernandez in the 7th minute), but also makes his mark on the pitch. Laimer harmonizes perfectly with exceptional player Michael Olise on "his" right flank, feeding the Frenchman or even being looked for himself. "Konni has three chances every game," says Joshua Kimmich, grinning: "Now he just has to manage to put them in."
Against Chelsea, Laimer could (or should) have scored in the 38th minute from an assist from Olise, but his shot was low and wide of the far left corner. Around 20 minutes later, the trained right-back found the ball for a crossing Harry Kane in the box, who was then denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Even so, things still turned out well for Laimer, Kane, and Bayern, who have made their first mark in this Champions League season. Are they really just outsiders for the title, as Uli Hoeneß recently suggested? "I don't really care," says Laimer. "I believe that if we play our game, we can beat anyone."
Stanisic gives the all-clear: "Everything is fine"But that doesn't just happen. "We have to deliver consistent performances throughout the year," says Laimer, who could hardly set a better example.
Stanisic, who was substituted injured against Chelsea, gave the all-clear as he left the arena shortly before midnight. "Everything's fine," said the Croatian, adding that he could play again on Saturday in Sinsheim. And if not, Laimer would be there anyway. Regardless of his position.
