ALCANTARA STRUGGLES

Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has struggled with injuries since making the move to Bayern Munich in the summer. The midfielder has been able to make only 12 appearances in all competitions, as the injury ravaged season only promises to improve. Apart from these problems, Alcantara says that he feels happy at Bayern Munich and he is also glad that he is now playing for Pep Guardiola. It is understood that the presence of Guardiola was a major factor in Thiago moving to Bayern Munich, as there was some interest from other clubs like Manchester United.

Thiago has also hinted that the inability to win a first-team spot at Barcelona – due to the presence of players like Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi – also contributed to his decision. The 22-year-old has already won numerous titles in his career. This is largely because he managed to come through the youth ranks at Barcelona at just the right stage when the club was going to experience its most prolific period in history. Now, he is on course to lifting more titles with Bayern Munich.

He has already won his second FIFA Club World Cup title, while Bayern Munich are favourites to win the league title due to their 11 point advantage. They have also set 1 foot into the quarter-finals of the Champions League as well.

“To join Bayern Munich was a brilliant decision. I had great years with Barcelona, but the transfer helped me a lot to mature into a better footballer and also to mature as a person. Everything is a perfect fit in every respect. Of course, it is difficult to win a first-team role (at Barcelona) due to the presence of Andres Iniesta and Xavi. They are great players. I have a lot of respect for them. But it was not about winning their place. It was about the whole thing,” said Thiago.