Kompany’s Calm Bet: Bayern’s Renewal Ahead of Brugge Showdown

Kompany’s Renewal and Brugge Preview

Vincent Kompany spoke about renewing his Bayern Munich contract ahead of hosting Club Brugge on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena, in the third matchweek of the Champions League group stage.

“I wasn’t thinking about it at that moment; I was focused on preparing for the games, and when the question came, my only request was that it not become a big deal and that we could quickly refocus on the next match,” he said at today’s press conference.

On the Brugge clash, he added: “We are playing a Belgian team, but I wore Anderlecht for most of my youth, so there is a mix of rivalry and familiarity. I know players from the national team or from England, and the coach (Niki Heyn). It’s a very special story, but if it comes down to me, I feel more competitive than ever.”

“I have known the Brugge rivalry since I was six,” he continued. “I know many people there and have played with them for a long time. I respect them, but Bayern Munich is what matters to me, and this match is less personal than it is for others.”

Regarding squad absences: “Josip Stanisic and Serge Gnabry won’t be in the squad.”

He further explained the renewal decision: “Everything in my personal life here in Munich is fine; it’s not hard to feel at home with my kids. The work environment is healthy too, and I want to keep this calm. It’s Bayern Munich, and when I come here in the morning to do my job, I have a good work environment, even after defeats.”

About past racist abuse he faced in Brugge: “It’s a very difficult question. I was captain of the national team and played 17 years for Anderlecht; the insult in the stadium is not easy to handle.”

“I don’t know how to absorb this right now; I focus on the match and not on anything else. After that game, I was speechless, and four years later I am still speechless, but now I just focus on the match, on the motivation to play, and on opponents who have nothing to do with that abuse.”

On comparisons between Anderlecht and Brugge: “I’m not going after Anderlecht now about the Brugge match; that’s a different story. As a supporter, I always back Anderlecht; Brugge has developed very well and deserves to be where they are.”

“Anderlecht had some Bayern-like feel; when you don’t win, it’s not enough financially; we were in a different league then. We had a very young team; matches were not negative, always full of fighting and passion—a real derby.”

“Never underestimate opponents; you always need quality in the team to build a winning streak. Winning is a reward you earn; when you remember the times we lost and the opponents felt victory, we don’t want to give them that feeling again; there will be times you lose, but we will never give away anything.”

On preparations for Brugge: “Brugge are always dangerous, but we respect every opponent; preparation is the same, whether it’s Dortmund or Chelsea. The question is: are the boys in form, do they have confidence? It’s about winning and the mentality. What stays constant is: we press and fight until the final whistle.”

Jonathan Tah

Tah spoke after Bayern’s latest win over Borussia Dortmund: “We didn’t make it a big deal; it’s about the upcoming opponents. It brings calm and focus on the essence, and on football. That’s our job.”

On Brugge, Tah added: “I faced them three years ago with Leverkusen; they used to be dominant in their league. They are a good team; we must not underestimate them and we must treat the match seriously.”

About Kompany’s contract extension: “We are all very happy with the renewal; the team is thrilled, and so is the club.”

Praising teammate Harry Kane: “There isn’t enough talk about the defensive work Harry does; he drives us, supports our press, and when the man he marks goes forward, Kane goes with him and defends. You can’t coach that; you either want it or you don’t. When someone like Harry Kane does it, everyone joins in, and that’s what makes him special.”

On the defense, Tah also noted: “Dayo Upamecano is an all‑round defender—aggressive, fast, brave at building play. He does a great job, and I enjoy playing with him, as does Min-jae Kim. Both are aggressive and love battles, defending strongly from the front; it’s great to see such quality in this position, which makes us all better.”

Regarding Bayern’s defensive solidity: “We all believe in what we do; we help each other. In the end it’s not just about defenders but the whole defensive structure; everything is in sync right now, which feels very good and explains why we concede few goals.”

On adapting to the team: “The Club World Cup helped me get to know teammates better; a normal pre-season would have been different. We spent longer together in one place, and that helped. I feel very comfortable and have adapted well.”

On playing with Manuel Neuer: “I know what it’s like to play with him from the national team; it’s the same here, just more games together. It’s a good feeling when the long balls come; he’s always active, and his presence behind you is obvious, giving the whole team and every central defender a good feeling.”

On recovery in busy weeks: “Recovery is crucial, especially in busy periods; I’m not into luxury or extravagance. I focus on the basics: good sleep, good food, and plenty of water; sauna and ice baths can be added. When you focus on that, recovery is really good.”

Punchlines to close with a wink: 1) If football were a sniper, the target would always be the goal—but the defense would already be laughing from the bench. 2) Transfer rumors are so calm they filed for a bench pass; they never even leave the substitute area.