He plays more calmly, decisively and with a better overview: Dayot Upamecano is currently putting in the most consistent performances of his career at FC Bayern. Vincent Kompany has played a big part in this, as the Frenchman emphasizes.
When Kompany took over the team, Upamecano knew straight away that things would change. „We got going from day one,“ said the defender in an interview with L’Équipe. The coach didn’t waste any time – and got straight down to work: positional play, physical positioning, how to deal with long balls. „He really helped me with my positioning – posture, when and how to tackle long balls.“
The centre-back particularly emphasizes the meticulous video analysis. The sessions are long, intensive and detailed. „Some sessions last 30 to 40 minutes. There are very precise body positions that you have to stick to.“ Upamecano sees the results not only in himself: „We’ve become a team, a force.“
Kompany leaves nothing to chance – not even before top games like the one against Paris. Upamecano describes how offensive the match plan was: „The coach insisted that we weren’t afraid and that we would attack them. Before the game, he even told me: ‚If necessary, you will press the goalkeeper‘.“
Upamecano consciously taking risks
The fact that the 27-year-old implements such instructions is also down to his style of play. He consciously takes risks, actively looks for the ball and wants to shape the game from the back. „I like to initiate things with the ball, to break through lines. There’s a risk involved, but I’ve always liked taking risks.“
What particularly impresses him about Kompany is that the coach knows his position from his own experience. „With Kompany, you can feel that he has played in my position himself.“ The analysis is not done via third parties – but directly, personally, specifically. „Sometimes he calls me: ‚Dayot, come into my office‘ – and shows me videos with points that I should improve.“
Upamecano has not become a different player – but a better one. „I feel much stronger. A lot changed when Kompany arrived. He showed us how to defend better.“ For the defender, one thing is certain: if you want to survive, you have to accept every duel. „I love defending. That’s what I love: duels. I would never refuse a duel.“
