Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano working with opera singer to solve curious issue
Dayot Upamecano found himself nursing sore throats after matches during his difficult debut season at Bayern Munich, but now the French defender is back to barking out orders thanks to an opera singer
From nutritionists to psychologists, individual coaches to financial advisors, the entourage of a modern footballer is a varied one.
But when have you ever heard of an opera singer helping a player out? For Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, that's exactly who he needed to help remedy a problem which had been causing him a great deal of pain during his debut season in Bavaria.
After complaining of sore throats and being hoarse after matches last season - a difficult first campaign as he struggled to make his mark in Munich - Upamecano enlisted the help of an opera singer from Leipzig, where he'd spent three-and-a-half years honing his defensive craft prior to joining Bayern for around £37million in the summer 2021.
"I often had a sore throat and was hoarse after games," the French centre-back, 24, told Bild. "That's why I got help. I improved my vocal cords with an opera singer. We sang together, he taught me exercises. Now I can shout loudly, I can give instructions all over the pitch."
Adopting a deeper tone which is less harmful on his vocal cords, Upamecano has been a mainstay under manager Julian Nagelsmann this term and can be seen barking out orders on a regular basis. Starting all but one of Bayern's Bundesliga matches since the season began, the 24-year-old also played a key role during France 's run to the World Cup final at the back end of 2022.
Upamecano started five of his nation's seven games in Qatar before Les Blues were agonisingly beaten on penalties by Argentina after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Nagelsmann, who worked with the former Manchester United trialist in Leipzig for two seasons, is delighted to see "Upa" back to his best, especially knowing his history with injuries which have stalled his development.
"Upa has developed very well. He came back in top shape," the Bayern boss recently declared. "The World Cup was good for him, he was one of the best defenders. I hope he picks up the momentum. We need Upa in top form. If he stays healthy, he will have a very good second half of the season."
Team-mate Thomas Muller echoed his manager's verdict by saying: "Dayot was great last year too, despite a few mistakes. He loves football, he never gives up. I'm glad he took the chance. He showed great performances with us before the World Cup and also at the World Cup, I hope he can keep the momentum."
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With his career back on track, Upamecano is now aiming to be the leading voice of a victorious Bayern side both domestically and in the Champions League. Set to face French behemoths Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday as the knockout stages begin, Upamecano is relishing the opportunity to win his first European title with the German giants, starting with a last-16 trip to his homeland.
"It will be a big game for both teams. We have to be ready and top fit," the ex- RB Leipzig ace affirmed. "Our goal is a win in Paris, we'll go in with that attitude. We won't play for a draw, that wouldn't be Bayern-like."
Upamecano will be hoping to bellow out songs of celebration if Bayern are crowned champions of European in Istanbul come June.
