Bayern Munich’s Christoph Freund says team is managing delicate balance of youth integration, while experience roster makes charge at titles

During a recent interview with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund was asked about the integration of youth into an otherwise veteran squad.

Freund acknowledged that it was a delicate situation, but also that the club was handling it well:

Plettenberg: The squad is complete in many positions, and contract extensions are planned. Behind the scenes, you’re already working on the transfer market, looking at potential candidates. Is it a fair assumption that you’re trying to potentially strengthen the team in a way that young talents can grow and develop behind established players? Is this a strategy of yours – to actively seek out, find, and acquire talent?

Freund: “Yes, that’s certainly a strategy, and I believe it’s crucial for the future that we bring in young talent and maintain a good mix. I think the squad structure, the mix within the squad, is what makes the difference. You can see that right now. We have very experienced players who are performing at a top level, and we have young players who are developing really well, making significant steps forward. But I believe the key is that we have a good structure, a good mix – and that this remains our goal for the future, to assemble the squad in this way.”

Lennart Karl is the shining example of this initiative, but it will take even more minutes than he is getting now to keep his progressing moving forward. The big question will be whether or not Bayern Munich can continue on like this and even to the chances being given to youngsters like Karl or if things will get too tense to keep the progress headed in the right direction.