FC Bayern has a tough test vs. Hoffenheim.
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany can look over at Hoffenheim and understand exactly why the club has — arguably — been the best in the Bundesliga since the winter break.
However, Kompany knows his squad is not a pushover, despite its recent skid.
“Both are a very hard-working team with a good mix of different profiles. They’re very active. We’ve always shown when a team wants to bring that intensity that we’re there and can play well. I think it’s always good when an opponent brings that intensity. That’s also good for the fans. That brings the best out of a game. We’re up for this one, because that’s one of our strengths, but also one of theirs,” Kompany said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
While it has been difficult of late, Kompany is not worried about his group finally having some down time (no midweek game) after a clustered stretch.
“It’s the same hunger. We had seven games in 20 days. We’ve shown that hunger since 1 January, including in those first games with those results. But when you have so many games, including away from home, a week like we’ve just had is sometimes good. You can then enjoy it. We’ve been able to prepare. We’ve got three games in six days next week again, but then we’ve got three weeks like this one,” said Kompany.
Kompany was asked about how his career as a center-back can help solidify some of the defensive issues the team is experiencing at the moment and the head coach said he is looking for answers.
“My role is to look at everything very closely. The fact we’re scoring lots of goals is part of my role. Wanting to concede so few goals as possible is also part of my role. We don’t like conceding, but we remain the best defense in Germany. We need to find a balance, to do better, but also that nobody is doing it better than us. We need to look at things in that context, whether it’s down to the number of games or if it’s the structure. We always try to be proactive. We’ve scored 74 goals. That’s the other side of it. That should be seen as acceptable. It’s not black or white,” said Kompany.
Kompany, who rarely divulges player health and injury updates, did say that Manuel Neuer could play.
“If everything goes well, Manu should be back in training today – and we’ll have the entire squad available,” Kompany said.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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Category: General Sports
