Tom Bischof explains his new number & his goals for the coming season

The No.8 shirt has a long and proud history at Bayern. It has been worn by midfield maestros such as Lothar Matthäus and Andreas Herzog but also more battling figures like Javi Martínez and Niko Kovač, or attack-minded players such as Alexander Zickler and Marcel Witeczek. Its owner for the last five years has been Leon Goretzka, who wrote his own chapter in the history of the shirt with his all-action style of play. Now it’s the turn of Tom Bischof to make his mark as Bayern’s No.8.

It was the number 20 that Bischof had on the back of his shirt for his first season in Munich, but Goretzka’s departure this summer opened up a much coveted number. “As a kid you obviously dream about the number 10. I used to always want that. Now I’ve moved a bit deeper and play more as a holding midfielder, so 8 is a good fit,” the 21-year-old explained. “I waited a while, out of respect for Leon. You don’t ask for things like that beforehand.”

Bischof also wanted to see if there were any other interested parties. “I first waited to see what Aleks Pavlović did. He’s been here longer, is a good friend of mine and I hold him in high esteem. I spoke to him and waited to see if he wanted to take the 8. But Pavlo is sticking with his number, so it’s me taking over the No.8. I’m really happy about that. I asked for it and pretty quickly got the backing that I can have it.”

Bischof therefore backs himself to succeed the 2020 Champions League winner. “I want to take the next step now. Pavlo, Jo Kimmich and I drive each other on in the centre. Everyone wants to play, which makes everyone better and helps the whole team. I definitely back myself in this role,” said the Germany U21 captain.

Bischof played his part in Bayern’s Bundesliga and DFB Cup double in his maiden campaign, making 39 competitive appearances, with three goals and three assists. Those first big titles in his still nascent career have certainly given him a taste for more. “I’ve often said that you come to Bayern because it’s a dream and because you can win titles here. We did that really well as a team. We had such amazing togetherness last season and a really good season.”

Bischof also wasn’t too concerned about where he got to make an impact. His versatility ensured he was always able to play wherever Vincent Kompany needed and wanted him. The fact he was used more at full-back than in his more natural central midfield position didn’t bother him. “It was a very good season for me personally, because I learned a lot, developed and played in different positions. That helps me in my career going forward. Now I hope it all gets even better and more titles come,” he added.