Luis Diaz says Bayern Munich needed more competition for his wing position

Luis Diaz says he would have welcomed another player competing for his place on the left wing at Bayern Munich after making a slower start to the new season.

The Colombia international was one of Bayern’s standout performers in his first campaign in Germany, scoring 26 goals and setting up 19 more in 51 competitive appearances.

However, Diaz has scored only once in six matches this season.

The 29-year-old believes another option in his position could have helped Bayern manage difficult spells, particularly when players are struggling for form or fitness.

“Of course, I always want to play, I love to play. That’s normal,” Diaz told Sky Germany.

“But if there’s someone there who can help out in my position, they’re welcome. That helps a lot when things aren’t going well.

“Then the teammate is there to help you, and you can take turns. That’s very important. I would have liked it, but it didn’t happen.”

Arijon Ibrahimovic had been viewed as cover for Diaz, but he left Bayern to join Augsburg during the summer.

Despite Bayern’s early difficulties, Diaz said the club’s performances should be considered in the context of the demanding schedule faced by many of their players.

“We’re not at that level yet, but I think that’s normal,” he said.

“Normal because we’ve had a heavy workload before and during the summer. We’ve played an incredible number of important matches in recent months.

“Big games in the Champions League, in the cup. Many of us were also at the World Cup afterwards. Then you have comparatively little vacation time to other seasons.

“And then it’s normal that the first few games can be difficult.”

Bayern will attempt to return to winning ways when they host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Friday.

The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich.