FC Bayern responded impressively to its recent setbacks with a 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig. After two draws against Augsburg and Viking Stavanger, the German record champions were back in top form. For Stefan Effenberg, the improvement in performance is no coincidence. The former Bayern captain sees head coach Vincent Kompany, in particular, as the decisive factor behind the successful turnaround.
The Munich team had shown uncharacteristic weaknesses in recent weeks. Against Augsburg and Stavanger, they at times lacked concentration, consistency, and the necessary intensity.
Against Leipzig, there was hardly any sign of that. Bayern dominated from the start, put the visitors under pressure early on, and capitalized on their chances consistently.
Effenberg praises Kompany’s clear messages
On SPORT1’s “Doppelpass,” Effenberg analyzed the latest developments at the record champions and made it clear why Kompany had to strike a different tone recently. “The games against Stavanger and Augsburg were the kind of matches where you go in, dominate, and pull them over to your side. That didn’t happen this time,” explained the 58-year-old.
For Effenberg, it was therefore the right move for the Bayern coach to publicly voice criticism following the two disappointing results. “For a long time, there was no reason to use critical words. Now Kompany has done that, and it’s his duty to do exactly that to sharpen the team’s focus.”
His team’s reaction showed that the Belgian was absolutely right. “I think they showed exactly the right reaction against Leipzig, and you can see that sometimes, as a coach, you just have to do something like that.”
“Now we’re back at 100 percent.”
Effenberg was particularly impressed by the intensity with which Munich played against Leipzig. “They gave it their all from the first minute to the last—that wasn’t the case before. There was a bit of a lack of focus against Augsburg and Stavanger. Now they’re back at 100 percent,” the former midfielder analyzed.
SPORT1 expert Tobias Holtkamp also sees Kompany’s handling of the first difficult phase of the season as an important step in his development. “It was as if, after 2–3 assists from the team, it was necessary for him to unlock the next level of Kompany. And the team responded immediately,” Holtkamp explained.
In his assessment, this new side of the coach could even have long-term effects. “This could play a very significant role for the entire season.”
Whether Kompany’s strong words will actually have a lasting effect will become clear in the coming days.
On Wednesday, they face Arsenal in the Champions League, followed by a Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg.
In any case, following their convincing performance against Leipzig, Bayern are heading into their next big matches with plenty of confidence.