KOMPANY'S MASTERCLASS: RESTED HARRY KANE SHATTERS GERD MüLLER RECORD WITH 10TH HAT-TRICK
Harry Kane needed only 76 games for his 10th hat-trick, smashing Gerd Müller's record. His second-half heroics validated Kompany's decision to prioritise player freshness.
To keep his players fresh during Bayern Munich's busy schedule, Vincent Kompany switched up his starting lineup against VfB Stuttgart. His changes in the second half, plus a great showing from Harry Kane, helped Bayern win.
Stuttgart had won all five of their home games in the league before this one. Bayern knew how good they were at home, so Kompany came up with a plan that worked out well.
He made six changes from the team that beat Union Berlin in the cup game, surprisingly putting players like Manuel Neuer and Kane on the bench. Kompany explained why after the game: We play four games in 11 days. If we're tired against Stuttgart, they'll score, because they are dangerous.
I felt it was right to bring Harry on when I did, as there was more space for him. Then, he did what he does best.
Kane scored three goals in a little over 30 minutes. It was his 10th league hat-trick, breaking another record. It only took him 76 games to reach that number, beating Gerd Müller's previous record of 161 games by a long way. After the game, Kane said he was happy with the result.
I'm happy with today's game. The team was great. Stuttgart made it tough in the first half. The coach brought on some fresh players, and we could help, he said. Besides Kane's hat trick, Josip Stanišić, also a second-half sub, scored.
Kompany said that games against Stuttgart are intense and require high energy. Konrad Laimer, who always plays hard, scored the first goal with a clever backheel, beating Stuttgart's goalie Alexander Nübel.
Bayern ran five kilometres more than Stuttgart (124.5 to 119.2) and had almost 30 more sprints (189 to 164). That was all because of those fresh legs. The fact that some key players got to rest was a plus. That rest might be useful against Sporting CP on Tuesday.
BAYERN MUNICH FACE MAJOR DECISION ON LEON GORETZKA AS EUROPEAN GIANTS CIRCLE NOW
Leon Goretzka’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as Tottenham and Napoli show interest. Discover why Vincent Kompany wants him to stay.
The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and as usual, Bayern Munich's name is popping up in transfer rumours all over the place. But the top guys at the club keep saying they won't be bringing anyone in this January.
As for players leaving, there's talk about guys whose contracts are almost up. Leon Goretzka is one of them, and he's been linked to a bunch of clubs lately.
Apparently, Bayern hasn't offered Goretzka a new deal yet. They're looking at younger midfielders to possibly replace him in the summer. Tottenham, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in snagging Goretzka this winter.
Sky Sports Germany says that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Goretzka. The coach wants him to stay and appreciates what he brings to the field.
On the other hand, The Athletic is saying that the rumours about Goretzka going to Tottenham are off base. Apparently, Tottenham isn't trying to get him. Goretzka is also said to be locked in on finishing out the season strong with Bayern.
Goretzka's still got a job to do at Bayern.
Aleksandar Pavlovic has kind of jumped ahead of Goretzka in the lineup. The young midfielder played great in the first half of the season.
Goretzka's been coming off the bench lately. Even though he's not a starter right now, Goretzka can still help the team in the second half of the season. His experience will be really important in those big Champions League games. Plus, he can play different positions if needed. He can fill in on defence or be an attacking midfielder. A guy like that could be really helpful for Bayern as they try to win it all.
Right now, it looks like Kompany is happy with his team. Other than Sacha Boey, Bayern isn't expected to let go of any senior players this winter. Since Bayern is competing in three different competitions, Kompany will need everyone to play their best.
CONFIRMED: FABRIZIO ROMANO VALIDATES BAYERN MUNICH INTEREST IN €50M-RATED BRAZILIAN FORWARD RAYAN.
Bayern Munich eyes Vasco’s Rayan for a €50m summer move. Read how the 19-year-old fits into the 2026 attack alongside Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich had a decent summer with player transfers, though the timing could've been better. The club isn't planning on getting anyone new in January, but they're lining up deals for the summer.
Besides big-name signings, Bayern's also keeping an eye on young talent. They seem pretty interested in a top Brazilian prospect.
According to UOL in Brazil, Bayern is talking more with Vasco's forward, Rayan, and his people. The 19-year-old is up for joining Bayern, and Vasco is waiting for an offer. Word is, Vasco wants close to €50 million for himself.
Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer guy, also said Bayern is keen on Rayan. He knows there's been contact, but Rayan's just one of several players Bayern's looking at to beef up their attack.
Since Vasco might want a lot for Rayan, Bayern could be thinking about putting him straight into the first team. The kid can play on the right or behind the main striker. He's had a great season with Vasco, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Rayan's stats make him sound like a scoring machine, but he might need a bit to get used to the Bundesliga. Since Bayern has enough players in attack, Rayan could get time to adjust.
Bayern will need to get a forward next summer.
They let go of three experienced forwards over the summer and signed Luis Diaz for keeps, and Nicolas Jackson is on loan from Chelsea. Lennart Karl has really stepped up and is now a regular in the squad this season.
Max Eberl recently hinted that they probably won't buy Jackson permanently next summer. So, Bayern will need someone who can fill in for Harry Kane and play on the wings if needed.
Someone like Rayan might not be ready to back up Kane just yet. If Bayern gets the Brazilian forward, they'd still need another number nine to add some depth to the attack. Bayern might not spend a ton on forwards this summer, but there will definitely be some fresh faces in that part of the team.