Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is ready for his team’s match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
”We’re playing against one of the best clubs in Europe, probably top 10. They have a lot of individual quality and a very good coach. They have speed and ability on the ball. Both teams will want to win. We’re playing at home. It’s an absolute priority for us,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “With three wins you qualify, with six wins you’re in the top 8. Looking at the table now is difficult. Some teams still have four very difficult games, some have easier games. We always talk about getting into the top eight. Our aim is to finish first. Our main goal is to win against PSG tomorrow.”
When pressed about his team’s lack of a signature win, Kompany scoffed at the notion.
“Criticism doesn’t matter to me, it never mattered and won’t in the future. What’s important is how the team lives and improves, how each individual player develops, even though they’re already top players. We don’t differentiate between games. All games aren’t easy. For us, there’s a big opportunity to show something for our fans tomorrow. But the mentality always has to be the same, regardless of the opponent. Hopefully our fans can go home tomorrow with a good feeling,” said Kompany. “Before Barcelona, we also kept a clean sheet. We stayed calm and worked. We knew that the season had been good so far. We also knew that it wasn’t perfect, it never is. It wasn’t about the basics. The team ran, fought and everyone was always committed. Then there was the game against Barcelona. It’s important that we learn from these moments. We are now looking ahead to the next game and will keep going.”
Kompany also said that he does not buy the hype that this version of PSG is weaker than other recent groups from Paris.
“It is definitely not the weakest squad in recent years. It’s a squad with incredible talent. Some of their players will play at a very high level in the coming years and maybe reach the level of the players mentioned, who are all-timers. The spaces between their lines are never big, their pressing is very aggressive and good. When they have the ball, they have a clear approach. As a team, they are really very good,” Kompany said.
There are so significant changes from Friday’s injury report, but Aleksandar Pavlović did warm-up with the team today, which had some fans hoping the midfielder was getting closer to a return.
Not so fast my friend.
“No he’s not fully integrated yet. It’s going well and quickly, but it’ll still take a bit of time,” said Kompany. “I can’t say yet (when Pavlović will be back). We didn’t expect him back before January at all, but now it’s been quick so far. The medical department and Pavlo have worked well. But it’s important not to put too much pressure on him. He should come back 100% fit,” said Kompany.
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