The former Bayern Munich defender has urged Rafinha to grab his opportunity with both hands in the absence of injured http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Van-Buyten-c10095.
Willy Sagnol believes that Rafinha is about to enter the most important phase of his Bayern career where he has a chance to cement his place in Jupp Heynckes’ starting XI. He insisted that the player has a great chance of proving
his worth in the side with six months of the current season remaining.
Jerome Boateng will replace the injured Van Buyten in the heart of defence and Rafinha will start in his natural position of right-back for the match against Wolfsburg.
The former French international added that the pressure will be immense on the 26-year-old as things at Allianz Arena are completely different than what Rafinha has previously experienced at Schalke or Genoa. He reckons that the
Brazilian needs to be stronger, and must grab his opportunity with both hands in order to become a regular member of this powerful Bayern unit.
While talking to sports website, Bild.com, the 34-year-old further elaborated:
"It's not easy for Rafinha. He came and Jerome Boateng was often used in his stead. The pressure at Bayern is higher than at Schalke or Genoa. “
Sagnol mentioned that this is the most critical time in the defender’s career, and he must impress his manager with his naturally offensive style of play. He insisted that Boateng likes to play as the centre-back and Rafinha must
ensure that the former Manchester City man is not forced again to play as a full-back by helping Bayern achieve their ultimate goal to lift this season’s title.
"Right now, Rafinha must prove himself. He must seize this opportunity. The team needs Rafinha and Boateng. Now is important for Rafinha and for Bayern. He has the potential. Rafinha is offensive, Boateng is defensively stable.
The question is what the coach wants," he concluded.
Sagnol spent nine years at the Allianz-Arena and managed 184 first team league appearances, netting seven goals during the process. The former player won five Bundesliga titles and four German Cups with the Bavarian giants before
retiring in 2009.
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