Seven games in 21 days: Kompany warns of January marathon | OneFootball

FC Bayern face a tough start to the new year. Vincent Kompany warns of the extreme workload in January. At the same time, Bayern can look forward to the return of two players

FC Bayern are starting the new year with all guns blazing – and Vincent Kompany knows that the coming weeks could point the way ahead. Seven competitive matches in just 21 days, including five Bundesliga and two Champions League games, will demand everything from the record champions. For the Bayern coach, one thing is clear: whoever survives this phase will gain a decisive advantage in the title race

Kompany sees January as the key to the season

Shortly before his 50th Bundesliga game as Bayern coach, Kompany is focusing less on the competition and more on his own stress management. Three games in the first six days after the winter break, plus several English weeks – the Belgian speaks openly of a „tough“ starting phase, especially after the short recovery period

For Kompany, it is clear that these weeks are more than just a tight fixture schedule. They could decide the rest of the season. If the squad manages to get through January without any major setbacks, the coach believes his team will be optimally prepared for the hot phase in the spring, when the Bundesliga, cup and Champions League titles will be decided

Kompany will be able to rely on captain Manuel Neuer, who has recovered from a torn muscle fibre, for the start of the second half of the season against VfL Wolfsburg. The situation is different for Joshua Kimmich. The midfield boss is still missing due to persistent ankle problems, and Bayern deliberately want to avoid taking any risks

The strategy is clear: no „on-off“, no hasty return. The big lead in the league allows Munich to be patient and focus on long-term stability – a luxury that hardly any other top club can currently afford

Musiala on the verge of a comeback – hope for the offense

photo: IMAGO

The return of Jamal Musiala is particularly eagerly awaited. After his serious injury, the international is working on his comeback step by step; in training he appears relaxed, focused and increasingly resilient. Kompany recently held out the prospect that Musiala could at least get a few minutes in one of the next three games

Although he is unlikely to start against Wolfsburg, the proximity to his return alone is a positive signal – both athletically and emotionally. Musiala should be built up carefully, as his creativity could make the difference, especially in the busy January schedule

Spreading the load – talents move into focus

The busy fixture list forces Bayern to spread the load across many shoulders. This is precisely where sporting director Max Eberl sees a great opportunity. Rotation is not a risk, but a necessity – and at the same time a stage for young players

The rise of Lennart Karl serves as a blueprint here. The 17-year-old has shown that the leap from youth to professional football can be successful. More talented players could also be given playing time in the coming weeks if Kompany keeps the squad broad and manages it in a targeted manner.