As part of the transition post Leon Goretzka, Bayern Munich handed he midfield role as well as the number 8 shirt over to Tom Bischof. The 21 year-old has shown incredible composure for his age and is keen to carry out the responsibilities of his role and as well as the weight of the shirt he inherited from Goretzka.
A responsibility rather than a burden
The number 8 shirt of Bayern has seen absolute stalwarts in Paul Breitner, Lothar Matthäus and the honorary president Uli Hoeneß himself. It comes with a certain legacy and weight that
Bischof holds a lot of respect for. Leon Goretzka inherited the number 8 from Javi Martinez after winning the sextuple with Bayern. Javi sealed the Champions League and the treble in his very first season at the club with the 8 on his back. They added immense weight to a jersey that was already iconic.
As graceful as he threads his passes, Tom Bischof answered the natural question of whether the shirt brings an immense burden with it. “When you play for Bayern, you’re generally under the spotlight anyway, regardless of what number you wear on your back. Nevertheless, squad numbers do have a significance for most people. It’s a special feeling to wear such a significant number. I just like it, it suits me. And I appreciate the fact it’s been entrusted to me. I want to take the next step now and I definitely believe I’m capable of it. So: incentive! I’m looking forward to wearing the number 8 shirt and will do so with pride,” said Bischof in the club’s magazine #Säbener51 (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
A classy gesture beforehand
Although he grew up adoring the number 10 shirt, the role of the box-to-box midfielder was the path that Bischof and the game chose. The 21-year-old was not the only young midfielder rising through the ranks in Munich. Aleksandar Pavlović who settled into a starter role in midfield is another suitable and an easy choice to succeed Goretzka’s shirt. Before throwing his hat Bischof did pitch the idea to his senior and only then did he make an official request with the club.
“As a kid you dream of the #10. That’s what I always wanted when I was younger. Now I play more defensively, so #8 fits. I waited for a while out of respect for Leon, and then initially spoke to Aleks Pavlović. He’s been here longer and is a friend of mine, but Pavlo is sticking with his number. So, I asked and they indicated that I could have it,” he added acknowledging his ability and role’s requirement to defend deeper.
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