Kompany After the Five: Pafos Proves a Tough Test for Bayern
1 October 2025
Match reflections from Kompany
Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich's coach, lauded Cypriot side Pafos FC after a 5-1 win in Tuesday's Champions League fixture (matchday 2, group stage), noting the performance felt bigger than the scoreline suggested.
Kane leads the way as Bayern dominate
Harry Kane delivered a standout performance with a brace, earning the man of the match honor as Bayern carried the play from start to finish. The English striker stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on the road and in the competition, expressing happiness with his goals and the team's overall rhythm.
Rotation, ambition, and the road ahead
Kompany explained that he trusts every player in his squad and will continue to rotate to keep everyone ready for responsibilities in the Bundesliga and Europe. He reiterated the club's broader objective: winning the Champions League remains a dream, but focus must stay on earning the next result rather than looking too far ahead.
“We trust all the players we have, which is why we use them,” he said. “The most important thing is giving every player who’s available the confidence to perform.”
On Bayern's title chances in Europe, he added: “Our dream is to be there, to have a chance to win the trophy. It’s very hard, but we’re now in the mix and must focus on the next game.”
Maturation and momentum
Beyond Kane’s goals, a Bayern teammate—Nicolas Jackson—also contributed with a goal and an assist, underscoring the depth at the champions’ disposal and their readiness for tough fixtures later in the campaign.
Match outcomes and immediate takeaways
Joshua Kimmich, Bayern’s midfielder, noted that while the result was flattering, the team’s performance in the first half was the foundation for the win, with the second half demanding more discipline to withstand late pressure from Pafos. He also highlighted the team’s early-season cohesion and the value of having multiple options ready to step in when needed.
Kimmich further praised Kane, saying his hot form is a big boost for Bayern as they chase domestic success and continental glory. He argued that the squad’s current balance and high pressing style have Bayern in a solid position as the group phase progresses, while cautions remain about road trips and away fixtures.
Coach of Pafos responds
Juan Carlos Carrido, the Pafos coach, thanked the home fans and acknowledged Bayern's standing as one of Europe’s best teams. He said his side gave their best and will aim to improve in forthcoming games, focusing on earning points for their supporters despite the heavy defeat.
"The effort from the players was good; we pressed at times and tried to exert pressure in the second half, but Bayern’s quality told," Carrido commented, vowing to build on the positives for future matches.
Sniper’s punchline: If this Bayern tempo stays, the trophy might need a GPS to keep up with them. And for Pafos, maybe next time they’ll bring a larger playbook—one that includes a map to the goal.
Punchline 2: Bayern’s defense was so calm today that even the ball looked confused about where to go—straight into the net, of course.
