Vincent Kompany has almost a full complement of players ahead of the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. However, the Bayern coach faces a particularly tricky decision in the full-back positions – and this is where fans‘ opinions differ widely
Three players – Raphael Guerreiro, Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl – will return in time for the second leg against PSG. The trio had been missing for the spectacular 4-5 defeat at the Parc des Princes. With the exception of Serge Gnabry, who is still out with an adductor injury, Vincent Kompany will have all his players available
However, no major surprises are expected in the starting XI. The Belgian has largely been relying on a fixed line-up for weeks. In attack, Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala are considered to be set. There is also currently no way around Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in central midfield
„I’m very happy to have these guys“
In contrast, the situation is much more exciting in defence – especially on the flanks. While Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano appear to be set in the center of defence, three players – Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer and Alphonso Davies – are competing for two places
However, it was precisely these positions that became a problem area in the first leg against PSG. Munich had great difficulty controlling the dynamism and speed of the Parisian wingers, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in particular causing the Bayern defence problems time and again
Kompany himself was nevertheless satisfied with his personnel situation: „I’m very happy that I have the boys,“ explained the 40-year-old, referring to his options on the defensive flanks
The Bayern coach also spoke at length about the different strengths of his players. „Everyone knows Konrad with his many runs. Stani is clean on the ball and has an incredible amount of speed. You don’t always see that, but he has an incredible amount of speed and always makes the right decisions on the ball. Phonzie, of course, has his speed and one-on-one ability. And just that left foot, like on the cross against Freiburg, which always gives us something,“ said Kompany
Fans prefer Davies and Laimer
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Despite the confidence in his players, a change in personnel compared to the first leg certainly seems possible. Stanisic in particular came in for increased criticism after the first clash with PSG. The Croatian had several problems in direct duels, particularly against Kvaratskhelia
It is therefore conceivable that Konrad Laimer will move to the right and Alphonso Davies will once again start at left-back. Davies‘ pace in particular could play an important role against PSG’s fast attacking players
The discussion is also intense among Bayern fans, with many clearly in favor of the combination of Davies and Laimer
„Davies and Laimer have to start! No hate against Stani, but in the first leg he was one of the worst, if not the worst,“ wrote one FCBinside user on Instagram
Another fan explained: „You need Davies for speed and you can’t put Laimer on the bench. As much as I like Stani, he didn’t look good in the first leg.“
Others were even clearer: „I’m fine with anything as long as Stanisic doesn’t play!“ commented one user
One thing is clear: Vincent Kompany’s decision at full-back in particular could have a decisive influence on whether FC Bayern keep their dream of reaching the Champions League final alive.