Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng believes that his days as a right-back are over now that Daniel Van Buyten has been ruled out of action for a lengthy spell with a metatarsal fracture.
Boateng has been criticised for his inability to combine well with right-winger Arjen Robben, but when asked about his performance, deferred the blame onto coach Jupp Heynckes.
“It wasn’t my choice to play right-back. Rafinha could have played there,” he told Goal.com. “I think that [Arjen Robben and me] will no longer play together on the wing.”
Instead, Boateng looks forward to featuring in central defence, at least while Van Buyten recovers. Should he be unavailable, however, the former Manchester City man believes there are adequate reserves.
“We also have Breno,” Boateng said. “He’s at the point where he could jump in if there is an emergency.”
Following his team’s 3-1 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday, Boateng urged Bayern to be sharper in front of goal.
“With a deficit we must more aggressively pressure the goal.”
Bayern next face Wolfsburg on Saturday. Kick-off from the Allianz Arena is scheduled for 15.30CET.