Vincent Kompany will not change his footballing idea at Bayern Munich for the Champions League. The coach himself and his long-time mentor Kris Van Der Haegen confirmed this in an interview reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung. Sueddeutsche Sport first reported the story.
The 40-year-old Belgian begins his third season in the competition with the German record champions this week. The title favorite faces FK Bodö/Glimt on Thursday. Kompany stands for a dominant, high-risk style of play based on high pressing and possession. "Vincent Kompany will never change his idea," the coach said according to the report. This philosophy already shaped his debut in the competition two years ago, a 9:2 win against Dinamo Zagreb.
What is Kompany's tactical credo?
The pillars of Kompany's game are clearly defined. His system relies on aggressive ball recovery high up the pitch and controlled build-up play. Van Der Haegen, who taught Kompany on his coaching course, explained his pupil's steadfastness in a conversation with Sebastian Fischer of Süddeutsche Zeitung. This approach delivers spectacular wins but also carries inherent risks. The team must operate at peak physical and mental levels consistently. Bayern Munich's full schedule for the demanding season can be checked on our fixtures page.
How is Bayern preparing for Bodö/Glimt?
Preparation for the opening match in Norway is in full swing. The team must adapt to unfamiliar conditions, including the artificial pitch. Kompany will select his starting eleven from the squad list, which you can view at squad. The tactical instructions will remain constant, regardless of the opponent. The focus is on imposing their own game and dictating the tempo from the first minute. A win to start would send an important signal for the entire group stage.
What role does experience play for the coach?
At 40, Kompany is among the younger coaches on this European stage. However, his experience as a successful captain at Manchester City gives him natural authority. Lessons from his previous Champions League campaigns feed into the preparations. He knows that in the decisive moments of the knockout rounds, mental strength is just as important as tactical discipline. The development of the team and individual performers can be tracked in our detailed stats.
The task for Kompany and his team is clearly defined. Bayern Munich is considered one of the top favorites for the title. The path there begins on Thursday evening in Bodø. Bayern's next Bundesliga match is scheduled for the following Sunday.
