When Joao Palhinha left Fulham to join Bayern Munich in a big-money move, many expected him to do well in Germany and have a quick impact.
So far though, the Portugal international has found life at Bayern Munich to be a bit of a struggle.
The ex-Fulham man has played only 127 minutes in the Bundesliga, starting only one game so far in this campaign.
That is quite different from how things were at Fulham and the midfielder has now spoken to Sport BILD about his time in Germany so far.
He insisted that he is fully committed to turning things around at his new club and wants to give his all whenever called upon to play.
“I know that my time at FC Bayern will come. That’s why I work hard every day. I fight to get my chance. To be honest, I’m not interested in the talk about whether I might lose patience.
“What is said or interpreted from the outside is not important. I’m in this big club because I believe in myself. In my career, things like this have often been said: Will he make it? Will he get playing time? We’re only at the beginning.”
The midfielder also stated that he draws inspiration from a Portuguese saying, as he looks to become more of a regular at Bayern.
“There’s a saying in Portugal that’s a motto for me. What is it? It’s not about how it starts – it’s about how it ends.
“I’m just concentrating on my work, on the training sessions. I’m ready. Whether I play 90, 45 or just five minutes: I’ll fight for every moment.”
As of now, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are ahead of Palhinha in the pecking order at the Bavarian club. Konrad Laimer is also a reliable midfield option, with the Austrian having played more than the Portuguese has.
Having said that, it is still very much early in the campaign. Considering how Palhinha impressed at Fulham in the past, he should still get the opportunity to succeed in Germany when the games come thick and fast.
