FC Bayern are struggling with personnel problems and injuries in the new year. In the Bundesliga top match against RB Leipzig, top performer and offensive engine Michael Olise is completely surprisingly on the bench. Vincent Kompany has explained what this means
Before kick-off in Leipzig, FC Bayern’s line-up has caused astonishment. Michael Olise, one of the most striking players in Munich’s attacking play, will initially start the top match as a substitute. In an interview with Sky, Vincent Kompany provided an explanation that is as open as it is understandable – and gave a deep insight into how much the tight fixture list is currently keeping the German record champions busy
„Otherwise you won’t make it“ – Kompany explains the stress of January
Kompany made no secret of the fact that the decision is closely linked to the extreme workload in January. The Belgian described the situation very clearly and refrained from making excuses. „It’s simply six games in three days. How can I explain it any other way?“ the Bayern coach clarified. One game follows the next, with almost no real recovery phases. „And then another three games in six days. But then another three games and another three games,“ Kompany continued
In this phase in particular, it is no longer just about footballing quality, but also about physical requirements. „So this month of January is for all the boys, otherwise you can’t do it,“ explained Kompany with regard to his entire squad. This statement makes it clear that decisions like Olise’s are not made in isolation, but are part of an overarching load management system
The Bayern coach also emphasised that energy is a decisive factor at this level – especially against an opponent like RB Leipzig. „And it’s always this mixture between absolute quality and also energy,“ said Kompany. If you’re not at 100 per cent in a game like this, you hardly stand a chance. „I think without energy, if you’re not 100 per cent today, they’ve also had one game less than us this week, I think energy is just as important.“
Key player Olise – off the bench against RB
Despite the bench role, Kompany made it clear that Olise is also firmly planned for this game. The Frenchman could play a decisive role in the course of the game. „He will probably also play an important role for Michael later on,“ said Kompany – a clear indication that the Bayern coach is deliberately planning with fresh forces
These statements underline the coach’s approach of thinking about games not just in terms of the starting eleven, but over 90 minutes. Olise should bring his qualities to bear when they can have the greatest possible effect – especially in a phase in which the intensity and tempo increase once again.
