New Blood in the Bavarian Defense
Defense Head, Tah, Expresses Need for Role Clarification: "Job Duties Require Defining"
Orlando (dpa) - The new big gun in Munich's defense, Jonathan Tah, isn't jumping at the chance to be the automatic defensive chief at FC Bayern Munich. But that doesn't mean he isn't aiming for the top. "Sure, I wanna step up and grab the bull by the horns," the 29-year-old national player beamed, during his official presentation with the German football champions ahead of the Club World Cup.
Tah isn't a fan of titles like 'defensive chief' and prefers to earn his stripes on the pitch. "I'm someone who's ready to put in the graft," he said. "We'll see if I can live up to the expectations and fill this role."
His new employers, Hasan Salihamidžić and Christoph Freund, have big plans for the free transfer newcomer, Tah revealed. They've laid out his potential role in the club in their conversations, with Freund even calling Tah an "absolute dream player" and a "leader" at the presentation in the team hotel.
Tah's past performance with Bayer Leverkusen has caught Freund's eye. The 37-time capped international wants to carry forward his successful streak to the Allianz Arena. "I'm here to test myself. I know the role from Leverkusen, of course. But I've got to earn it the hard way."
Despite a short break with fellow national players after the Nations League and only arriving in the USA on Thursday, Tah feels ready for his Bayern debut. "I'm raring to go. I wanna get comfortable in this new setup asap."
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The signing of Tah is a major boon to Bayern, given his international experience and leadership potential, as club officials note[2]. But Tah's resolve to work tirelessly and adapt quickly to the new environment will be crucial to his success in the team[5].
Sports is Tah's new arena as he joins FC Bayern Munich, and his ambition lies not just in defensive roles, but leading the team on the football pitch.
His dedication to hard work and readiness to earn his position in the team is evident, aiming to build on his successful past performances with Bayer Leverkusen and adapt to the challenges of the Allianz Arena.
