FC Bayern’s new number four is getting going! Jonathan Tah has been with the team at the base camp for the Club World Cup in Orlando since Thursday evening. The centre-back completed his first training session with his new teammates on Friday morning and talked about his arrival at FCB and his ambitions at a press conference in the afternoon.
"I'm glad I'm here. I was given a very warm welcome. I feel this familial and positive but also hungry togetherness,” the Germany international said about his first impressions. After ten years at Bayer Leverkusen, the transfer to FCB is “a big step” for Tah: “The expectations are higher, everything's bigger. For me, it's about getting out of my comfort zone,” added the 29-year-old. “I get to grow on and off the pitch. I'm in for a lot of challenges, I'm looking forward to them and I feel ready for them."
Christoph Freund on Jonathan Tah: “Absolutely ideal solution”
FCB sporting director Christoph Freund called it an “absolutely ideal solution. It’s no secret we had talks last year. We’re very, very glad he’s here. He can give the team a lot.” The 47-year-old described Tah as “a leader. He talks a lot, he’s very experienced at a high level.”
Tah wants to grow into the role of defensive leader at FC Bayern in the next few weeks. “Of course I want to take responsibility. In our talks, Christoph Freund and Max Eberl outlined the role I can have in a team. But I have to earn it. I've come here to challenge myself," said Tah.
Tah on coach Kompany: “He can give me a lot”
Vincent Kompany is a former world-class centre-back and played at Hamburger SV like Tah, which is another positive aspect for the 29-year-old: “Of course I followed him, I'm from Hamburg. He was a great leader and player. I've realised from the start he can give me a lot and help me grow and improve,” said the new signing. Tah will contest his first competitive match for his new club on Sunday when FC Bayern take on Auckland City in Cincinnati in their first Club World Cup match.
The key statements from the official unveiling of FC Bayern's new signings Tom Bischof and Jonathan Tah:
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