Eberl on Palhinha's Start to Life at Bayern: "It Just Takes Time"

Palhinha's Bayern Move

After a successful spell with Sporting CP, Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha made a high-profile move to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. The transfer raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether the 28-year-old would be able to adapt to the demands of playing for one of Europe's top clubs.

Eberl's Patience

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has remained patient with the new arrival. Despite Palhinha not yet setting the Bundesliga alight, Eberl has backed the player to come good. "It just takes time," Eberl told reporters. "We know that he is a quality player and we are confident that he will show his worth in the coming months."

Palhinha's Contribution

While Palhinha may not have been a regular starter for Bayern, he has still made a valuable contribution to the team. His versatility has seen him deployed in a variety of roles, including as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and even as a center-back in an emergency. He has also shown his leadership qualities, impressing both his teammates and the coaching staff with his professionalism and work ethic.

Adapting to Bayern

Eberl believes that Palhinha's adaptation to Bayern has been hindered by a combination of factors, including the language barrier and the intense competition for places in the squad. "It's not easy to come to a new country and a new club," Eberl said. "It takes time to adapt to the culture, the language, and the way of playing."

Competition for Places

The competition for places in Bayern's midfield is fierce, with Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Marcel Sabitzer all established internationals. This has meant that Palhinha has had to be patient and bide his time for opportunities. "He is a very good player," Eberl said. "But he knows that he has to be patient and wait for his chance."

Future Prospects

Palhinha's future at Bayern is likely to depend on his ability to adapt to the club's demands and break into the starting lineup on a regular basis. If he can do that, he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team. However, if he struggles to find his feet, he may find himself surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena.