Ahead of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match this weekend vs. Union Berlin, head coach Vincent Kompany was asked about the type of challenge that the defensively-focused (but offensively-challenged) team would provide to the Bavarians.
“I have no control over the opponent. I know they have done well so far. They are up there and we are not underestimating them. But the game is about us. The joy of playing the game has to come from us. Hopefully our strength will be the difference tomorrow. You can see that they are very strong in defence and on the counter. This is a team that knows what it has to do. But in the end it’s a game at home, that’s the priority,” said Upamecano (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We stay calm, we can see that the team is getting better and can get even better. That’s our focus. Union have the second-best defense in the league. Maybe we need to step up a gear to score goals tomorrow. We want to give it everything we’ve got and hopefully pick up a win.”
As always, Kompany will have some key lineup decisions to make — particularly at wing where he has Leroy Sané, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, and Mathys Tel among others to choose form.
“It’s not difficult. It’s important that we have everyone available at the moment. You can only play with two wingers. So far, all four players have done well and are at about the same level. There’s not much difference [in the level], but a bit in the profiles,” said Kompany.
One other area of the team that Kompany is focused on is center-back where Dayot Upamecano and Eric Dier have both beenbanged up.
“It’s a pity when players are unavailable. We have 18 fit players, so I have 18 options for the position. There have obviously been a lot of games in the last few weeks. I have full confidence in the other boys and in the squad. Eric Dier and Dayot Upamecano are not the only players missing in this position. But we don’t want to look for excuses,” Kompany said. “The tendency looks positive for both of them. Nevertheless, I will give myself until tomorrow to make a decision. Leon Goretzka also did very well against Mainz. We have a lot of players who are very flexible. I hope everyone is fit. But I also have confidence in the other guys.”
Finally, Kompany was asked about the team training for situations where a scrum in front of the net could result in a goal scoring opportunity. Kompany indicated that it is, indeed, a focus for him.
“You constantly repeat the movement patterns. We also have good examples here like Thomas Müller and Harry Kane. We need as many guys as possible who believe in and recognise these situations,” said Kompany.
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