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Palhinha annoyed: “I’m not interested in talk”

Joao Palhinha has only been in the starting eleven once this year.(Bild: AFP/APA/LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS)

Joao Palhinha remains optimistic despite his lack of playing minutes. "I know that my time will come. I work hard for it every day: I fight to get my chance. To be honest: I'm not interested in all the talk about whether I might lose patience," the Bayern professional assured "Sport Bild".

He signed for FC Bayern because he believes in himself. What is being said around him, on the other hand, interests him less, said Palhinha. The Portuguese moved from Fulham FC to the German record champions for 51 million euros in the summer, but has only made brief appearances so far under new coach Vincent Kompany. 

"It's not about how it starts"
German media soon reported that the transfer had gone wrong, but the defensive midfielder doesn't really care. "In my career, it often happened that things like that were said: Will he make it? Will he get playing time? We're only at the beginning," says Palhinha. "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 am ready."

Vincent Kompany(Bild: AFP/APA/Alexandra BEIER)

Despite his limited playing time, he has a good relationship with his coach. Kompany always has an open ear for every player. "That's important for the team spirit, nobody feels left alone," says the 29-year-old.