Lucas Hernández has already had the chance to familiarise himself with the Allianz Arena. In 2016 he visited Bayern’s home ground twice with Atlético Madrid: first in the Champions League semi-finals and then in the group stage of the same competition nearly six months later. The Frenchman has even lifted a trophy there, when he won the Audi Cup 2017 with the Madrid club two years ago.
However, the World Cup winner entered a new area of the Allianz Arena on Monday as he took his seat in the press room for his official unveiling following his move to Bayern. “Servus, I’m Lucas. I’m happy to be here and looking forward to a good season with FC Bayern. So, pack ma’s!” the 23-year-old said in German, to the surprise of the journalists present. It proved how seriously he’s been preparing for his new challenge at the record German champions.
„“He has the advantage of being able to play at both centre-back and left-back. That gives the coach multiple options tactically. FC Bayern and the entire Bundesliga can consider themselves lucky to have another world champion in the Bundesliga.””
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Along with numerous talks with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, it was his France teammates Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman who encouraged him to sign for the double winners. “I didn’t take much persuasion, though,” revealed Hernández. He’s proud to now be playing in Munich, and wants to “repay the confidence that the fans and the bosses of FC Bayern have placed in me”.
One of those bosses was sat to his left at the press conference. “We’re really proud that Lucas has chosen FC Bayern. He’s a great player,” praised Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who watched Hernández during the 2018 World Cup together with Salihamidzic and was particularly impressed by the defender’s versatility. “He has the advantage of being able to play at both centre-back and left-back. That gives the coach multiple options tactically.”
Hernández hoping to be fit for Bundesliga kick-off
The former top-class striker admitted that he “wouldn’t have liked to have played against Lucas Hernández” during his playing days. “He’s quick, aggressive, he has a good eye. That wouldn’t have suited me,” added the Bayern CEO. Hernández described himself as a “player with a lot of character, who’s proud to wear the shirt and defend these colours”.
However, the Frenchman will have to wait a little while before he can prove that as he’s still in rehabilitation following an operation on his right knee. “The ligament feels very good, I feel very good,” revealed the 2018 Europa League winner, who’s hoping to be match-fit for the start of the Bundesliga. “I’ll fight to be involved from the start in the league so that I can defend the shirt from the beginning.”
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