Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has defended his players following consecutive draws, insisting the Bundesliga champions are close to rediscovering their best form.
Bayern played out a 2-2 draw against Augsburg in the Bundesliga before being held to a 3-3 stalemate away to Viking in the Champions League. The German giants had to fight back in both matches, prompting concerns about their finishing and defensive organisation ahead of Saturday’s home encounter with RB Leipzig.
However, Kompany pointed to the team’s attacking statistics as evidence of their progress, arguing that a few improvements could make a significant difference.
“We want to attack,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “In the last two matches we shot 50 times on goal. If we do a few things better, then we are not too far from our very best version.”
The Belgian coach maintained that his players remained “sharp and motivated” despite the recent setbacks and were looking forward to a challenging sequence of fixtures.
After facing Leipzig, Bayern will take on Arsenal in the Champions League, Bundesliga leaders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund. A German Cup fixture against Magdeburg is also on their schedule.
Kompany described the demanding period as an opportunity for his squad to demonstrate their quality and create memorable moments.
“These moments that some people think might be difficult, we say these are the best moments you can have in your career,” he said. “If you win these matches, then you have created some moments.”
He added that the players were working hard in training and would need to translate their efforts into improved performances on the pitch.
Addressing concerns about Bayern’s defensive displays, Kompany said the squad had discussed the necessary adjustments and was focused on the upcoming challenge.
“We’ve got a process. We discuss things as a team or with individuals. It’s important to draw a line under things quickly,” he said. “Now we go to the next game.”
Kompany also anticipated a tough contest against Leipzig, describing their opponents as a confident side with dangerous wide players and attacking options.
Meanwhile, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had yet to train ahead of the match because of a foot problem.
Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović, however, trained normally on Thursday. Kompany said Pavlović would be available for selection if he completed another full training session.