Freund praises Bischof as FC Bayern plan bigger role for midfielder

Tom Bischof is expected to play a bigger role than in his debut season at FC Bayern.

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Tom Bischof produced a solid performance in FC Bayern’s first pre-season game in Wiesbaden. Sporting director Christoph Freund praised the Germany U21 captain as he expected him to play a bigger role in the upcoming season.

“His (Bischof’s) role will become even more important. We have great hope and great confidence in him. He's a really good player and will take on even more responsibility and get game time. I am convinced that he is ready for this," Freund told BILD after Bischof scored FC Bayern’s solitary goal in the defeat to 3. Liga side.

Bischof missed out on the World Cup squad despite featuring 39 times in his debut season at Bavaria. The 21-year-old will now play a bigger role at the club as he took the number 8 shirt from the departing Leon Goretzka.

Bayern are reportedly planning to use Bischof as competition for Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in the midfield, with Konrad Laimer set to continue playing in the full-back position.

Bischof predominantly played as a left-back during the 2025/26 season. “We controlled the game for long stretches. We perhaps lacked a bit of movement because we only had one week of training, but the win was there for the taking.” Bischof said after FC Bayern’s pre-season game.