Despite a difficult debut: Kompany backs Ndiaye | OneFootball

FC Bayern once again proved their comeback qualities with a spectacular 4:3 away win at 1. FSV Mainz 05. After trailing 0:3 at the break, the Munich side turned the game around impressively – with a young debutant taking centre stage alongside the attacking stars

Bara Ndiaye made his Bundesliga starting eleven debut in Mainz. It was an immediate endurance test for the 18-year-old under the most difficult conditions. In an intense and physical game, the talented youngster got to feel early on just how high the demands are at this level

However, coach Vincent Kompany demonstratively stood in front of his protégé after the game and gave a differentiated assessment of his performance. „Such a physical game is the toughest possible test for a young player,“ explained the Bayern coach. „It really wasn’t a game for young players, but he needs it to learn from it.“

Kompany deliberately takes Ndiaye out of the criticism

photo: IMAGO

Munich had major problems with Mainz’s intensity in the first half in particular. Ndiaye was also called upon in midfield, but was unable to prevent FCB from falling behind early on. Nevertheless, Kompany made it unmistakably clear that he does not see the youngster as being responsible

„I thought he was pretty good on the ball and kept up with the pace,“ praised the Belgian. At the same time, he was even clearer when it came to the 18-year-old’s role: „For me, there is zero responsibility on his shoulders. It’s up to the experienced players to lead the way.“

With these statements, Kompany deliberately backed his talent and sent out a clear signal. Especially in a phase in which Bayern initially had great difficulties, the 40-year-old wanted to prevent the focus from being placed on the young player

Positive reaction after the break

The German record champions looked much improved after the break and launched a furious comeback. Ndiaye also improved as the game progressed and, according to Kompany, showed an important reaction to the difficult first half

„He also showed a reaction in the second half,“ emphasized the coach, adding that it was particularly important for the youngster to gain this experience and prove himself at the highest level

In the end, the Bayern coach’s satisfaction with his protégé’s performance prevailed: „It was a good performance in such a difficult game for a young player. He can be proud,“ said Kompany

For Bara Ndiaye, this debut is likely to have been an important step in his development despite the difficult circumstances – and an evening that could help him establish himself further at FC Bayern in the long term.