After Wednesday’s Champions League clash between German giants Bayern Munich and Diego Simeone’s Atlético de Madrid, two friends met to exchange shirts and conversation. The pair in question were Portuguese duo Tiago Dantas and João Félix, former teammates and Seixal academy graduates. Bayern manager Flick joined the pair for a minute or two, before giving Dantas a hug and leaving the two wonderkids to it. It was a nice scene between two of Portugal’s brightest burgeoning stars.
Hansi Flick spoke to the journalist who posted the original video online, Sport1’s Florian Plettenberg, about Dantas and the impact he has made since joining the Bavarian side. Dantas left Benfica for Bayern on loan on deadline day (with a 7.5 million euro purchase option).
All of the Hansi Flick quotes have been taken and translated from the original article, which can read in German here.
“As a coach, I really enjoy working with him. Tiago is a great footballer, he’s open-minded and inquisitive. He’s already showing his qualities in training with us” Flick told Sport1.
Dantas’ move to Bayern sees him train with the senior side (at Flick’s request) but for the time being, he will play his football with Bayern Munich II, who play in the 3. Liga, Germany’s third tier. Dantas made his debut for his new side on October 17th, playing the full 90 minutes against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in a 0-0 draw. It didn’t take long for Bayern supporters to realise just how talented their new signing is, with many taking to social media to comment on the 19-year-old’s impressive performance.
Dantas is an intelligent footballer with wonderful technical ability, however, his size and stature for some, has been a point of contention, particularly regarding how far he can go in the game. Flick, on the other hand, remains confident.
“He’s short but has a strong disposition. We’ll work on his physique. We have a clear plan to improve it.”
Bayern Munich II face off against SV Waldhof Mannheim on Sunday and presents another chance for Dantas to possibly play and gain further senior minutes. Dantas cannot be enrolled for the senior team until January, provided he continues to improve, train and perform in the manner in which he has since his arrival in Germany, then it won’t be long before he is turning out for Bayern Munich II, minus the II.
One thought on ““He’s Already Showing His Quality” Hansi Flick Speaks on Tiago Dantas and His Impact So Far”