Former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has been speaking about his Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise, who was linked with a move to the Reds during the summer transfer window
Luis Diaz has praised Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise
Luis Diaz has praised Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has expressed his gratitude that Bayern Munich colleague Michael Olise resisted a summer switch to Anfield.
The Merseyside club was among those reportedly interested in securing the Frenchman's services. Liverpool was actively seeking a possible successor to Mohamed Salah, who departed the club at the conclusion of last season. Olise was among the names under consideration, but Bayern remained resolute in retaining the player, who has cemented his status as one of Europe's most potent wide men, and insisted on a substantial fee.
Liverpool ultimately secured the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The French international has featured five times for the Reds thus far this campaign, though he remains without a goal contribution.
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He has been participating with the France squad throughout the international break, appearing in all three of their Nations League fixtures. Olise is also included in the squad and has netted twice while providing one assist across the three matches.
His impressive form extends beyond international duty. The winger has recorded eight goals and contributed four assists in seven outings for Bayern so far this season.
Diaz has now voiced his satisfaction that Olise remained at the club during the transfer window, despite speculation linking him with a departure. Speaking to Sky Germany, he said: "First of all, it was important that we stayed together as a team.
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Olise has been one of the standout wingers in European soccer
Olise has been one of the standout wingers in European soccer(Image: Getty Images)
"It would have been very difficult to lose a player like that... then perhaps a new player comes in, a lot of things change, and it takes time to adapt.
"But thankfully, we still have him here. He didn't leave, and he remains a very important player for us. He has incredible quality and is showing that in these games.
"And as a person, as I've already said, he's a very good guy; he talks a lot. Sometimes he may not want to talk much to the press, and I understand that because I don't like it either.
"I don't like talking about myself at all. But you're in the public eye and have to play along a little bit, that's part of our job. Internally, Michael talks in the dressing room and on the pitch.
"It's a mix of joking around and having a good team spirit. We get along very well."
Casting his mind back to April, prior to the transfer window opening, Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge conveyed a strikingly similar sentiment, telling t-online: "He's a wonderful player," while also noting: "By the way, I also like the fact that he is so reserved and almost media-shy.
"This is the exception in today's world. He's a good guy and on the pitch he's of course outstanding, the way he celebrates football and almost does magic.
"That's why I'm not surprised that he is so incredibly popular and hyped by our fans."