FC Bayern have only just wrapped up the championship – but there’s not much time to celebrate. Just a few days after winning the title, the next tough test awaits in the DFB Cup semi-final at Bayer Leverkusen
At the final press conference before the game, Vincent Kompany appeared focused and relaxed as usual. Despite the enormous importance of the game, the Bayern coach does not feel any additional pressure. „I don’t feel any more pressure than usual,“ explained Kompany and made it clear that nothing will change in terms of approach
At the same time, the Belgian emphasized the special nature of the match: „It’s a semi-final over 90 or 120 minutes – from tomorrow we’ll know who’s going to Berlin.“
Kompany is certain that such games have their own character, but the preparation remains the same. „You can’t play it down, but the processes remain the same,“ said the 40-year-old
Respect for Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen are an opponent that Bayern know inside out. The two teams have already met several times in recent years. „I think it’s the eighth clash in two years,“ explained Kompany, referring to the intensity of these encounters
Regardless of any personnel or tactical changes, the Bayern coach expects another competitive match: „What we’ve always experienced has been a total battle. So we don’t expect anything different this time.“
Despite the tangible chance of reaching the final, Kompany is deliberately keeping a low profile when it comes to Berlin. „I haven’t dealt with it yet,“ he made clear, recalling that he himself has never reached a German Cup final in his coaching career
Nevertheless, he is quietly optimistic: „There is always a first time, I hope it comes this year.“
Focus on the task at hand
For the Bayern coach, only the next game counts at the moment – a principle he has consistently followed since his arrival in Munich
The starting position is clear: a win in Leverkusen would put FC Bayern just one step away from the next title, but Kompany knows that another top performance will be required
The champions have been warned – and are ready for the next big battle.