In the crucial first leg of the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen, FC Bayern looks to rely on Joshua Kimmich, who has returned to training after an injury. Coach Vincent Kompany emphasizes the importance of the Allianz Arena for this match, which is pivotal for his first season in charge. Kimmich’s fitness is confirmed, though discussions about his contract and other players remain off the table. The match is seen as a defining moment for Kompany’s coaching career.
In the highly anticipated Champions League first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, FC Bayern is set to count on the skills of Joshua Kimmich. Coach Vincent Kompany underscores the significance of the Allianz Arena in the quest to finally secure a victory over Leverkusen in this crucial matchup.
Exciting news for FC Bayern fans emerged around 2 PM when Joshua Kimmich, who had been sidelined due to injury, participated in a public training session. He impressed onlookers with his agility, tackling, and cheerful demeanor, signaling a strong possibility of his inclusion in the starting lineup for the pivotal Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Kompany on Kimmich’s Fitness: ‘Always at Full Strength’
When asked about Kimmich’s fitness, Coach Vincent Kompany confidently remarked, ‘For this game, you are always at full strength.’ He confirmed Kimmich’s physical readiness but refrained from commenting on the midfielder’s mental state or the ongoing contract discussions that have attracted attention. Speculation regarding potential talks over the weekend and rumors surrounding Kimmich’s salary in relation to a transfer for Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen remain unaddressed.
Kompany likely would have reiterated his usual mantra during times of heightened tension at Säbener Straße, especially when the stakes are high: the only match that matters is the next one, particularly when it holds such weight.
Kompany: ‘Not in the Mood to Discuss’
This sentiment was evident during another exchange. When asked what insights the two rising stars of German football—Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz—could gain from one another in their upcoming clash, Kompany launched into a somewhat lackluster soliloquy before cutting himself off: ‘You might notice, I’m actually not inclined to answer this question,’ he chuckled, ‘and so I’ll stop here.’
Leverkusen Match: A Defining Moment for Kompany
This match carries immense significance, as the outcome of the round of 16 will greatly influence the assessment of Kompany’s inaugural season in Munich. It presents a monumental opportunity to pave the way for a historic home final. The Champions League showdown against Leverkusen represents the most significant challenge in Vincent Kompany’s budding coaching career.
Home Advantage: The Allianz Arena as a Key Factor
For this crucial encounter, Kompany is banking on a unique advantage that the Munich team possesses: the Allianz Arena itself. ‘We play at home. This creates a distinct mentality. When we’re at home, it feels like home. These factors play a role,’ Kompany emphasized. He noted that while it’s essential to remember that there are two legs in the tie, their ambition is to perform at their utmost.
For this reason, the typically strategic coach avoided delving into tactical discussions ahead of the match and appeared determined to focus solely on preparation. Leverkusen poses a formidable challenge for Bayern, as evidenced by their recent 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga, where Bayern only managed two shots on goal—a rarity in recent records.
Pavlovic Out – Goretzka Likely to Join Kimmich
Will Bayern find themselves in a similar predicament again, struggling to press forward? ‘We have no issue defending deeply if necessary, but the opposing team must earn that right,’ Kompany stated. This unusual scenario of Bayern being pushed back into their own penalty area has not been witnessed in their home ground before.
Kompany is hopeful about leveraging this home advantage, saying, ‘We play at home, and something truly special can happen here.’ Kimmich, as the midfield maestro, will be instrumental in this endeavor, likely joined by his trusted ally Leon Goretzka, as Aleksandar Pavlovic is sidelined. Together, Goretzka and Kimmich have battled through numerous European Cup challenges. The significance of the match and the swirling tensions at Säbener Straße should at least momentarily recede into the background during those crucial 90 minutes.
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Source: BR24Sport
04.03.2025 – 18:30