Upamecano has turned to OPERA to help his Bayern performances

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 8 Feb 2023 14:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has been working with an opera singer on his vocal technique so he can communicate better on the pitch.

Upamecano is one of the most expensive defenders of all-time, having cost Bayern €42 million when they signed him from RB Leipzig in 2021, at which point he was also linked with Manchester United, who wanted a left-footed centre-back instead. Meanwhile, Chelsea were thought to be monitoring him as recently as last summer.

The Frenchman told Bild that he has been having issues when trying to shout loudly to his team-mates, with his throat going hoarse.

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But, along with the help of a professional singer, things have become a lot better. "I often had a sore throat and was hoarse after games," the 24-year-old told Bild. "That's why I got help. I improved my vocal cords with an opera singer. We sang together, he taught me exercises. Now I can shout loudly, I can give instructions all over the pitch."

Upamecano has started all but one of Bayern's Bundesliga matches since the season, while he also featured regularly for France in their World Cup campaign, starting five of their seven games.

Die Roten are very much in contention for trophies in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. They have a round-of-16 contest with Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to next Tuesday.

"It will be a big game for both teams. We have to be ready and top fit," Upamecano said. "Our goal is a win in Paris, we'll go in with that attitude. We won't play for a draw, that wouldn't be Bayern-like."

Nagelsmann's delight

Meanwhile, Julian Nagelsmann recently spoke about how happy he is that the centre-back has been able to compete on a consistent basis following his struggles with injuries before.

"Upa has developed very well. He came back in top shape," the Bayern boss recently declared. "The World Cup was good for him, he was one of the best defenders. I hope he picks up the momentum. We need Upa in top form. If he stays healthy, he will have a very good second half of the season."

Upamecano - who FootballTransfers’ data values at €48.1m - joined the German giants when he made the move from RB Leipzig in 2021, with the reigning champions reportedly meeting his release clause set at €42.5 m.