Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is in his first season managing in Germany, but it does not mean that the coach is unfamiliar with recently-promoted Bundesliga side, St. Pauli.
Kompany, of course, cut his teeth with Hamburger SV, a rival to St. Pauli.
“I am now Bayern’s coach. My time in Hamburg was 15, 16 years ago. In my time, St. Pauli was in the second division. I know that the rivalry was always big. Tomorrow, it’s about Bayern, hopefully we can perform and get the result. I still have a lot of friends in Hamburg, for whom it might be important. But for me it’s all about Bayern Munich,” said Kompany said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “My time in Hamburg was very important and also very nice. Munich is a great city, and so was Hamburg. I learned a lot during that time; it was my first time I was outside of my hometown. It was a very educational time with Huub Stevens and Thomas Doll.”
One thing that Kompany will be looking for is his team to continue to rack up goals in away games. The coach did not think it was anything deliberate, but did acknowledge that his squad has been lighting it up as visitors.
“We don’t make much difference between a home and away game. When we get to play in the Allianz Arena, it’s an extra motivation. But we don’t make much difference, our plan doesn’t change. Maybe that’s one reason why we scored so many goals away from home. But that doesn’t mean anything for tomorrow. We’re preparing as usual and hope that things will work out again,” said Kompany.
Meanwhile, Kompany is happy that all four of his primary wingers are contributing and playing well and said it still is not too hard to pick out starters on a game-by-game basis.
“Things are looking good. It’s important not to have many injuries at this period. I have the feeling that the players are fresh,” said Kompany. “It’s not that difficult at the moment. Quality and talent are always very important, and we are well equipped in this position. When the boys perform as well as they are now, it’s great. Then it’s a question of freshness. We can make changes at the right time. The players have experience and know that they can support and help each other.
“Leroy (Sané) has done well. When he’s fit and happy, we all see it on the pitch, like in the last game. He has the experience and I am convinced that he will continue to show that in the future.”
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