Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano refutes perception that he’s quiet

Bayern Munich center-back Dayot Upamecano might come across as a quiet person, but he wants to assure everyone that he is not.

Upamecano admitted to being a little reluctant earlier in his career to be outgoing and loud because of a stutter, but he wants everyone to know that he can run his mouth whenever he wants to.

“I’m even surprised by the question. From the outside, people think I’m shy, that I don’t talk much. It’s probably because I’ve spoken publicly about my stutter. But people who know me will tell you. I can talk, of course. It’s impossible to play for Bayern without talking. Otherwise, my teammates will say to me, ‘You’re a center-back and you can’t even say, ‘Is the ball coming?’ – Kimmich would tell me straight away. When I need to correct someone, I correct them; when I need to speak, I speak. Especially in difficult moments. The perception is also linked to the fact that I don’t do it in front of the cameras,” Upamecano told L’Equipe (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Upamecano’s maturation has been a great development for this season. While the perception of him being reserved has existed for a while, it appears that the defender is in his comfort zone around teammates, friends, and family.

If keeping a slightly less demonstrative demeanor in dealing with fans and the media is his style, then that formula seems to be working.