„We have to get better“: Kompany warns of Arsenal’s strength | OneFootball

FC Bayern face one of the toughest tests of this Champions League season on Wednesday evening. Premier League leaders FC Arsenal have yet to concede a goal in four group games – and are in impressive form. At the press conference ahead of the clash, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany spoke about the challenge, his team’s form and the importance of standards.

Kompany makes no secret of how much he appreciates the Gunners‘ current strength. „We’ve won our first four group games, which was important. We’ve mastered our task so far and we hope that continues, of course. But it will be the most difficult task at the moment to play against this team,“ explained the FCB coach at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening.

Nevertheless, the Belgian sees this as precisely the appeal of the top game: „We’re delighted – that’s why we’re here, we want this.“ The record champions travel to London with a perfect record – but Arsenal have put down an exclamation marker with a flawless defensive record.

„We can also score goals“

There is a particular focus on set-pieces, which have not been Bayern’s strength of late. Kompany speaks openly about this: „The truth is that we haven’t shown our normal strength in set-pieces. I know this from my playing days – it doesn’t mean that you’re not good in this phase. But it does mean that you have to get better at it.“

The coach emphasizes that they have analyzed and worked intensively. At the same time, he warns: „Even the best teams can have problems against Arsenal.“ For Kompany, however, it’s not just about defensive work: „We can also score goals, we have to try and we can do that! We want to be a very strong team in the set pieces – not just in offense, but also in defense again.“

Good news in terms of personnel – Gnabry and Kimmich report fit

photo: IMAGO

Munich’s personnel situation has eased in time for the top match. Kompany gave the all-clear for Serge Gnabry, who had recently been out with knee problems. „Serge Gnabry is looking good, we’ll see if he can play 90 minutes. We were afraid, but he’s giving good signals.“

Joshua Kimmich also reported fit: „He gave good signals, it was a positive day.“ According to Kompany, all players are therefore likely to be available – important news ahead of one of the toughest away games of the season.

At the same time, Kompany remains realistic. Arsenal are currently one of the most consistent teams in Europe and FCB are aware of the quality of the Londoners. Nevertheless, Munich travel to the Premier League leaders with four wins from four group games and a strong performance against PSG behind them.