EXCLUSIVE
By Maximilian Bensinger
Bayern Munich centre-back Daniel Van Buyten believes that he can see off competition from Dante, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng to claim a starting spot in Jupp Heynckes’ side.
The Belgium international has suffered from a series of injuries in 2012, but returned to the starting line-up for the 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, and feels he can offer a different dimension to his team’s play.
“In attack, surely I have certain qualities and can help the team. You could see that against Eintracht Frankfurt. I had two good chances,” he explained to Goal.com.
The former Hamburg man went on to state that the added squad depth at the Allianz Arena this season could be key as the Bavarians look to end their two-year spell without a major trophy.
“It’s a good problem for the trainer to have. For us, it’s a fight. But in a positive way. Everyone wants to have success. We didn’t win anything in the last two years.
“For us, it means that we have to do well in training. You cannot start with 20 players. The coach makes his choice and you simply have to keep on fighting until you get there.
“I don’t think that anyone will give up, I certainly won’t. I’m happy about being fit again. Now I have to step on the gas.”
The defender then looked back on last season’s Champions League final loss to Chelsea, and stated that he never wanted to endure disappointment like that again.
“I look forward to being able to lift a trophy again. I never want to experience a final like that again. That was my worse moment, after the Champions League final. I simply look forward to titles.”
Bayern Munich are currently first in Bundesliga with a seven-point lead over chasing Schalke.