FC Bayern completed the league phase of the Champions League with a 2-1 win at PSV Eindhoven to secure second place in the table. Seven wins from eight games speaks for itself, but while fans and observers are already discussing the role of favourites, Vincent Kompany remains demonstratively sober
After the final whistle in Eindhoven, where the Munich side secured another hard-earned victory, Vincent Kompany carefully assessed his team’s performances in the top flight so far. For the Bayern coach, the focus was initially on internal reflection rather than public assessment. „We’ve talked a lot, and I think that’s always important in these moments when this first phase is over, to look back again,“ explained the Belgian
This approach has been in line with Kompany’s fundamental approach since he took office. Despite impressive results, he consistently avoids rashly focusing on titles or the role of favorites. Instead, he is more concerned with processes, development and stability – especially in a competition that does not forgive mistakes
Top-class opponents, not a sure-fire success
Kompany underlined the fact that second place in the league phase is more than just a good snapshot when looking at the opponents. „You play Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG and then PSV away. Not an easy opponent,“ he made clear. In fact, Bayern had to prove themselves several times at the highest international level during this phase. Victories against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea provided exclamation marks, while games such as against Union Saint-Gilloise or now in Eindhoven required patience and maturity
Munich’s only defeat came at Arsenal FC, who dominated the league phase with eight wins, a fact that Kompany also sees as part of the equation – and another reason why he avoids big words
Expectations exceeded, but nothing won yet
Kompany’s review of the starting position before the start of the CL season is also remarkable. „At the beginning, it was said that it would be a very difficult task for us to get into the top 8,“ the coach recalled. His assessment is all the more positive. „And then you have seven wins in eight games. That’s positive, and of course that’s a step forward.“
At the same time, Kompany draws a clear line between a good starting position and real success. „But that doesn’t mean you’ve won anything now,“ he made unmistakably clear. This statement sums up the Bayern coach’s attitude. The league phase is over, but the decisive games are still to come
For Kompany, the focus is now on consistency and responsiveness. „For us, that simply means always showing that we have stability, that we also react when we lose, as happened,“ he explained. It is precisely this ability that has not always distinguished FC Bayern on the European stage in the past
The fact that the team appears more stable this season is also the result of a clear leadership style and growing team unity. Kompany nevertheless remains true to his line. „It’s still a bit too early to make too big announcements, but we’ve done well in this first phase,“ he concluded.