FC Bayern Munich: Zoff and triumph: This is how Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr return from the Africa Cup – Bundesliga
Europe takes a close look: Senegal is Africa champion!
In the past few weeks, many a European club has been looking spellbound to Cameroon, to the “Africa Cup of Nations” (the official name of the Africa championship). One reason, in addition to talent and possible transfer candidates: Many players from the leagues in Germany, England, France, Spain and Italy are fighting there with their national teams for the title.
When would they come back? Successful or disappointed? Motivated or tired? Even hurt? Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp even has two top strikers in the final with Sadio Mané (Senegal, formerly RB Salzburg) and Mo Salah (Egypt). Like them, Bayern pros Bouna Sarr (30) and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (32) are returning with different feelings…
Sarr has the cup – and Bayern the benefit
This cup is also a win for FC Bayern. Either way…
Bouna Sarr (30) played a big part in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. The right-back, previously a flop at Bayern, missed a penalty in the final against Egypt (4-2 penalties), but is one of the top performers in the tournament and was always in the starting XI.
Is there a boost to the Sarr title now?
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann (34) recently said: “I’m happy that Bouna is playing for Senegal, he was obviously better than his competitors. He needs the minutes to drive a certain rhythm. That’s good for him. Then we’ll see how he comes back and whether he can assert himself more than he did at Bayern.”
If not, the chances are now better of selling African champions Sarr (contract until 2024) in the summer. Italian (including AS Roma) and French clubs (OSC Lille) are said to have already shown interest.
Cameroon frustration – Father confirms Choupo’s resignation
A lot of Zoff with the Cameroonians after the Africa Cup! Right in the middle: Bayern striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (32/zero goals in the tournament).
The attacker sat on the bench in the quarter-finals against Gambia (2-0) and in the semi-finals (1-3 pens) against Egypt, then refused to play against Burkina Faso (8-6 pens) in the duel for third place.
Instead, he sharply criticized coach Toni Conceiçao (60): “I told the coach that I didn’t feel good mentally for the game because of all the things that had happened in the past few days. We played 120 minutes in the semifinals and he didn’t even substitute me. To me, that’s a lack of respect. I am very disappointed and very frustrated. At the end of the day, I respect every decision the coach makes. You have to because he’s the boss, but you don’t have to understand them – so I don’t understand them.”
Choupo’s father leans in: “We decided not to play. We refused. We have decided that he will no longer play under Toni Conceiçao.”