FC Bayern’s winning streak has come to an end as they were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal in the Champions League top match. Vincent Kompany was a fair loser after the game
In an interview with DAZN, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany had clear words for Munich’s defeat. The Belgian analyzed the game ruthlessly and made it clear why the German record champions lost the clash in London – without making excuses
„We didn’t actually start badly,“ explained the FCB coach, who immediately emphasized how dangerous Arsenal were in the set pieces. It was precisely these situations that caused the momentum to shift early on: „These set pieces from Arsenal are of course very dangerous and then the momentum turns a little.“
Despite the setback, Kompany felt his team were briefly back on course: „We also regained our momentum in the first half. I actually had the feeling that if we kept going in the second half, we could still win the game.“ The fact that this did not happen was, in his view, due to a weak restart after the break. „We didn’t come out of the locker room well. We didn’t do the really simple things like we normally do.“
No excuses – Kompany admits Arsenal’s superiority
Kompany was particularly impressed by the way Arsenal controlled the game. He said that the Londoners had „very good game management“ and explained how small details are crucial at this level. „If the referee sometimes makes small mistakes … then you have another phase of two minutes where you have to defend. And these details are simply very, very important in these games.“
From Kompany’s perspective, it is precisely this perfect mastery of the small moments that is a product of years of work under Mikel Arteta. „Of course, they’ve been fighting together for 6.5 years,“ he emphasized. „Then you pay attention to all these things so that you can create a small advantage.
Kompany also remained consistent at 0-1, when Manuel Neuer received a small push in the five-metre area. „Maybe there was contact beforehand, but what can I do now? I don’t like excuses,“ he made clear. For him, the situation was clear: „Let’s be honest and say that Arsenal were better today.“
Despite the defeat, he was not pessimistic. More important than the result was the long-term development of his team. „The Champions League wasn’t decided now. We didn’t lose anything today.“ Although Arsenal are „coming out of this game with a lot of belief“, Kompany is clear: „We have to react now, that’s part of it.“
Kompany hopes for revenge
His most important message: this game can even be valuable for the rest of the season. „If we have taken the steps in March or April that we still want to take, then this game will have played its part for us.“
In the end, Kompany immediately turned his focus to the upcoming tasks. The defeat should be a trigger, not a step backwards: „I think the feeling is that the boys are hungry again for the next game.“
The coach made it clear that his team would learn the lessons from London – and that a reunion with Arsenal would be very welcome. „I would love to try again and see how the next phase goes.“