Bayern Munich is ready to face Gladbach…
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is not used to this.
With the team already having clinched the Bundesliga, Kompany is trying to g to balance how to keep the squad’s focus, while ensuring he also factors in the pending exits of club legend Thomas Müller and center-back Eric Dier.
“This week was like any other week. We prepared well because it’s an important game for us. We want to win this game; it’s Thomas Müller’s last game at the Allianz Arena; it’s a celebration day for everyone. We want to have a perfect Saturday. It won’t be an easy task; we’re up against a good opponent,” Kompany said at his press conference (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It will certainly be very emotional, I don’t know whether more for Thomas or the people around. These are great moments, I’ve experienced it myself. I know Thomas too, he’s still a fighter who always wants to show what we can do. He has a very special relationship with the fans.
“I’m obviously very happy and grateful. I hope my story is a good one for many. After my time at Burnley, with promotion and then relegation, to then to get and feel the trust of Bayern Munich—and then have the opportunity to win the Bundesliga—that’s something very special. I feel like this is the beginning of something. I believe there will be an upcoming generation of Belgian coaches, it’s a matter of time.”
One of the topics Kompany is dealing with is who will list the Meisterschale —Müller, team captain Manuel Neuer, or first-time trophy-winner Harry Kane. Kompany did not that Neuer is tracking to play vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach.
“I’m not sure who will receive the trophy. The main thing for me is that the trophy is at Bayern and stays there. I’ve only planned the match – I don’t know what will happen after that,” Kompany said. “If everything goes well, Manuel Neuer is back tomorrow.”
When asked specifically if Müller would start, Kompany played coy — kind of.
“I’m not stupid,” Kompany said with a laugh. “Let’s wait for tomorrow, but I don’t want to ruin the party.”
Finally, Kompany was asked whether the any Bayern Munich campus talents would be in the mix for the Gladbach match.
“We discuss the topic very often: what’s best for the boys’ development. Now is a good time for them [to get a chance], but it’s also a priority for the club that the boys can win titles at the youth level. We will support that. That means some players will have to wait a bit longer [for their debut]. But if the boys can win titles, that’s also very important,” said Kompany.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s home Bundesliga match vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach? Awesome, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we break down the match-up, what’s going on with both teams, the injuries, the potential lineup, and also give a prediction on the match. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
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