FC Bayern go into the DFB Cup quarter-final against RB Leipzig with a broad chest, but without arrogance. After their convincing 5-1 win against TSG Hoffenheim, the Munich side have ended their small dip in results in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, coach Vincent Kompany made it clear at the press conference ahead of the cup clash that the cards will be completely reshuffled on Wednesday evening
„Both teams know each other very well,“ explained the Bayern coach at the pre-match press conference, referring to the qualities of their opponents. Leipzig have „wingers and an attacking trio that scores a lot of goals and has a lot of creativity“. For Kompany, one thing is clear: „It’s a team that is strong in attack.“
Kompany calls for balance instead of taking things for granted
Despite their dominance in the league duels so far – FC Bayern have won twice this season by clear margins of 6-0 and 5-1 – Kompany sees no reason for complacency. „We’ve always shown what we can do against Leipzig,“ said the Belgian, but added: „The game is at home, it’s a must-win game. We want to show what we can do.“
Kompany deliberately contrasted his own quality with Leipzig’s. „We also have the wingers and incredibly strong central players,“ he emphasized. However, the decisive factor is not individual class, but teamwork: „If we can get the balance right, it can be a very good game for us.“
Cup laws in mind
Kompany was particularly insistent in his warning about the special laws of the cup. The previous successes against Leipzig – including two cup wins in the club’s history, most recently a 3-0 win in the final in 2019 – only play a minor role for him. „We have to be prepared for everything. You don’t win every game 4-0 or 5-0 in the cup,“ he explained. „Something always happens. It’s difficult to classify.“
These words fit the current Bayern DNA under Kompany. Despite clear results and a noticeable upward trend after the recent winless league games, the coach is focusing on focus and discipline. The ambition is clear: FC Bayern wants to reach the semi-finals – but not with the feeling that it will be a walk in the park.