Hansi Flick hopeful for Bayern Munich’s Fiete Arp

Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick had to like a lot of what he saw from his youngsters in his team’s 3-0 win over FC Düren in the DFB-Pokal yesterday. One player who Flick got a chance to see up-close-and-personal was Fiete Arp.

Arp, of course, had previously decided to put in a full season with Bayern Munich II in 3.Liga in lieu of a floating role between the senior-team and the amateurs. With the Bavarians facing a scheduling nightmare, the 20-year-old was called into action, however, and asserted himself nicely in the brief time (13 minutes) he was on the pitch.

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Flick addressed Arp’s situation and expressed his optimism that Arp is still headed on the right track with Bayern Munich.

“I spoke to Fiete,” Flick told Sport Bild. “It is important for him that he has a home and his home is currently with the U-23 team. He knows if he performs well there, the step back into the professional squad is not difficult. He is a very fine boy and has a very professional attitude. That is why it is to be hoped that he will develop like we expect him to with the U-23s. It’s just up to him.”

Arp currently has one goal and one assist in four games (321 minutes) overall with Bayern Munich II in 3.Liga. Much like last season, Bayern Munich II is expected to develop and evolve over the course of the season. With so many new parts — and a new manager — the squad is still getting acclimated with itself. The glut of games for the senior team and the subsequent call-ups that are needed will likely slow progress down a bit for Bayern Munich II, but expect Arp and his teammates to continue to improve week-by-week.

BFW Analysis

With Robert Lewandowski as the unquestioned starter and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting the back-up, Arp has a good opportunity to fine-tune those aspects of his game with Bayern Munich II this season. Physically, Arp looks to be developing more strength and has shown flashes of his promise with Bayern Munich II so far in 3.Liga.

With a good season under Holger Seitz, Arp could position himself eventually transition back in Bayern Munich’s “striker of the future” after seeing almost his entire 2019/2020 season derailed by injuries and illness. Of course, Arp would be competing with Joshua Zirkzee for that title, but both players still have a lot of work to do to establish themselves fully with the club.