Bayern Munich signed João Palhinha in the summer of 2024 because the club believed it needed a true defensive midfielder. The transfer made sense on paper in some sense. Palhinha had the physicality, tackling ability, and defensive instincts to provide the kind of protection Bayern Munich had been missing in midfield.
But two years later, the situation has become increasingly complicated.
So, who deserves the most blame?
Thomas Tuchel? He pushed for Palhinha during his time as Bayern Munich manager,
but never got the chance to actually coach him after flaming out at the club before the transfer was completed. Remember, Bayern Munich and Fulham failed to execute a deal in the waning moments of the 2023 summer transfer window, creating a mess.
The supervisory board? Was the club’s leadership too involved in the decision to sign a player for a specific tactical role without ensuring the next manager would actually want to use that profile?
Max Eberl? As the board member for sport who ultimately completed the deal, should he have questioned whether Palhinha truly fit Bayern Munich’s long-term footballing vision?
Vincent Kompany? Has the manager simply failed to find a consistent role for a player who could still offer Bayern Munich something different in midfield?
Or Palhinha himself? Has he failed to adapt quickly enough or take advantage of the opportunities he has received?
There is probably plenty of blame to go around. But if you had to pick one person or group most responsible for the João Palhinha situation, who would it be?
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