Bayern take patient approach with Usami

Bayern Munich will give forward Takashi Usami time to settle in during his one-year loan spell at the Bundesliga club.

On-loan from J.League outfit Gamba Osaka, Usami could make a permanent switch to the Allianz Arena if he impresses during his stint.

Bayern Munich director of sport Christian Nerlinger said the change in style and culture meant they would have to give the 19-year-old time to get comfortable.

“Of course we will give him the time he needs. It is a huge step for him, the step from Japanese soccer to German, also the change of cultures,” he said.

“We will support him in every way. He has made a very positive impression. He is very happy and even showed today during training what potential he has and I am sure that we will have a lot of success with him.”

Usami, Bayern’s first-ever Japanese player, introduced himself to the media in German.

He said he was keen to compete with some of Europe’s finest players – including Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery – for a spot in the team.

“It is a new test for me to try and play with the top players in Europe at the highest level,” Usami said.

“And I’ll be trying to reach that level myself.”

Bayern finished third in the Bundesliga last season – 10 points behind champions Borussia Dortmund – with their UEFA Champions League campaign ended by Inter Milan in the round of 16.

They begin the season with at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach on August 7.