Mario Mandzukic left out for the Pokal final, a highly questionable decision
There goes a big chunk of our air game: Pep Guardiola leaves Mario Mandzukic out of the FC Bayern squad for the DFB Pokal against Borussia Dortmund, amid transfer rumours.
The coach said, on Friday, that leaving the star striker out is “my decision”. Although he is fit to play, although he is the second best scorer in the Bundesliga and although he has given everything for the team since joining, except for a short time in January.
This will, obviously, give legs – wings! – to transfer rumours. Media have reported, earlier this week, that Bayern is considering a player swap involving Mandzukic for the Chelsea central defender David Luiz, also involving money.
Hit the pause button for a second. I understand that Pep Guardiola has a negative history with hardheaded star strikers. I also understand that disciplinarian coach Felix Magath once said of Mandzukic that no coach can tame him. They were in the same team in Wolfsburg.
Yet, doesn’t performance count in football? Doesn’t it count that Mandzukic has scored 18 goals in the league? That is only two less than Robert Lewandowski, despite starting only 21 games against Lewy’s 31. He also delivered despite not being the only go-to scoring guy in the team. He also delivered the good in the treble season.
Is there worse? According to Bild, Pep said “I wish you good luck with your new club” to Mandzukic.
If that report turns into a transfer in a few days or a few weeks, I wish Pep good luck with Bayern fans. Such news won’t go down well. It is one thing to be dedicated to supporting a team, which all of us will keep doing. It is another thing to swallow every move without criticism.
Bayern fans are not stupid. They see the value that Mario Mandzukic brings to any team. He didn’t perform well at Euro 2012 and during Bayern’s treble 2013 without a reason. He wasn’t adopted by the fans without a reason. He’s also the reason why the previously-established Mario Gomez requested a transfer to Fiorentina less than a year ago.
If FCB sends Mandzukic packing, we will rightfully be puzzled about the direction the team is taking. There’s no doubt that Robert Lewandowski is most likely to enjoy success in Munich, but having both would restore the kind of competition that the team needs at every position.