Arriving at Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021, Dayot Upamecano experienced ups and downs with the German club. If since the 2022/2023 season he has established himself as an indisputable starter and boss of the Rekordmeister's defense, the 2023/2024 financial year marks his downgrade. However, the 25-year-old French central defender has long been in tune. Performing well in the first part of the season, whether alongside Kim Min-jae or Matthijs de Ligt, he did good for his team where he played one of the key pieces. However, the situation deteriorated from February onwards. Injured at the end of January and returned too early to play in the clash against Bayer Leverkusen, synonymous with a turning point in the title race, he missed his point against Bayer Leverkusen (3-0) even if he was not the the main culprit of this disappointment and that his physical condition was still in its infancy since he left at the hour mark.
The week that “killed” Dayot Upamecano
A few days later in the Champions League, he was again in the family photo during the 1-0 defeat against Lazio. Holeing himself while tackling Gustav Isaksen in his area, he caused a penalty and a red card which completely undermined his team. Thomas Tuchel's reaction was fierce as he publicly attacked his player at a press conference: “We are frustrated and angry at the defeat. I think we lost the match, I'm not sure Lazio won it. We did everything we could to be late, making mistakes and losing confidence. There was no need for Upamecano to act this way. It was neither wild nor intentional, but he should have simply blocked the shot. Aware of having been a little too strong in his words, Thomas Tuchel addressed him with ointment just afterwards on the sidelines of a match against Bochum, essential to avoid being left behind in the title race
“We must continue to trust him without reservation. It's been a bitter week for him, of course. We really wanted to get him back into shape. He has already done it at Dortmund and played exceptionally (during a 4-0 victory at the start of the season, editor's note). Then, he had two difficult matches at Leverkusen and against Lazio. But it's useless to attack individuals. (…) He is incredibly ambitious in training and in matches. And then, of course, he wants to manage everything on the pitch. In addition to defending, he wants to participate in the construction of the game and create scoring chances, and of course, lead emotionally. It's sometimes a little too much, but it always comes from good motivation and that's why we will continue to support him and put our trust in him.”, explained the German coach. Spared and left on the bench against Bochum, Dayot Upamecano came on at the half-hour mark following the injury to Noussair Mazraoui when his team led 1-0. The outcome? A new expulsion leading to a penalty and a major implication in the 3-1 defeat of his team.
The fall continues for Upamecano
There, Thomas Tuchel seemed to have realized that the problem was serious and did not want to push his player who was at the bottom of the abyss further: “I didn’t talk to him. It is extremely bitter. Upa has already played twice after his injury, today a maximum of 30 minutes was actually planned. Then, he is the very last option at the right back position. He made life difficult with a yellow card, but afterwards he was good in the game. Suspended the following two matches against Lazio (3-1) and RB Leipzig (2-1), the Frenchman saw the pair Eric Dier – Matthijs de Ligt take power in his place. After becoming available again, he came into play against Friborg (2-2) where his entry was followed by the equalizer for Christian Streich's team, not ideal for regaining confidence. Then left on the bench for three matches in a row including the 2-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund, Dayot Upamecano was offered a new chance against Heidenheim on Saturday.
Alongside Kim Min-jae, the Frenchman had the opportunity to take advantage of the poor performances of Eric Dier and Matthijs de Ligt during the Klassiker to try to revive. The first period was very good and the Bavarians led 2-0. However, what followed was a passage through hell for the Bavarians and in particular their central hinge. Conceding three pawns and the 3-2 defeat, the Rekordmeister let Bayer Leverkusen take a sixteen point lead in the title race. For Dayot Upamecano, the situation is becoming dramatic. At fault and at the forefront of this new setback, the Frenchman missed the chance to upset the hierarchy. It is therefore Eric Dier and Matthijs de Ligt who hold the rope to start this Tuesday against Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Champions League. Relegated to the background and in the sporting hard two months before the kick-off of Euro 2024 with France, Dayot Upamecano was not helped by Thomas Tuchel with his too early return to competition, but he did not can't get back on track since…
