VINCENT KOMPANY WARNS BAYERN: SPORTING CP IS A COMPLETE TEAM, REQUIRES 100% EFFORT TO WIN UCL
Vincent Kompany praises Sporting CP as a "complete team" that defends well and counters quickly. He demands 100% effort from Bayern in the crucial UCL clash.
Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich's coach, has watched Sporting CP's game film and knows they are a top team.
They're the kind of team that can cause Bayern Munich problems, so Kompany is going into the match with a lot of respect for them.
Kompany said, They are a complete team and defend very well. They're also dangerous on the counter. Their defence pushes up a lot. They pressed high against Benfica. They have good attacking players, and many with a great future. They are an exciting team. We have to be at 100%. Sporting are in the Champions League top eight for a good reason. The stats say maybe five wins and a draw would be enough, but I don’t want to think that way. We play at home tomorrow, and we’ve played two of our last three games here. If we win, we’ll be close to a top 8 spot, and things are looking good right now.”
Kompany has been rotating players more recently, but he won't explain his strategy in detail.
It depends on the players’ form or the opponent; it changes. I don’t talk about it much; it’s about trusting the guys. When we win, people talk about personnel, and that’s okay. I like that. "We have competition, and I like that," Kompany said. Manu (Neuer) will play tomorrow. But Jonas Urbig is a very good young German goalkeeper. Manu has played very well this season, but Jonas has gotten and will get his chances. He did well against Stuttgart. Everything is going according to plan.
I want to talk to Alphonso Davies again after this, but he might be in the squad tomorrow. If the game is close, which I expect against Sporting, he probably won’t play much. But he’ll probably get some time this week. Anything before Christmas is a bonus.”
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.