Bayern tactics against Real: Kompany trembles for key player | OneFootball

Ahead of the clash against Real Madrid, Vincent Kompany is clearly focusing on the defense – but one of the key elements of his plan is in jeopardy

The duel with Real Madrid presents FC Bayern with an enormous challenge. For Vincent Kompany, a look at the past is also instructive. His former mentor Pep Guardiola clearly failed against the royals this season with Manchester City – a scenario that the Bayern coach wants to avoid at all costs

According to Sport BILD, Kompany will incorporate the analysis of these games intensively into his preparations, with a particular focus on protecting against counter-attacks. In the first leg, Munich’s tactics will be clearly designed to contain the enormous speed of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé

Kompany has already visibly improved Bayern’s counter-pressing in recent months. While Munich were still susceptible to quick switching moments in pre-season, the team is now much more stable. We will now see against Real whether this development can be sustained at the highest level

Davies is the key – and a big question mark

According to Sport BILD, Alphonso Davies plays a central role in Kompany’s considerations. The 25-year-old is considered essential to the Belgian’s system due to his speed – especially when it comes to closing down the spaces behind the high defense

But this is precisely where the problem lies: Davies is currently injured. In the first leg of the round of 16 tie in Bergamo, the full-back had to be substituted after just 26 minutes with a strain in his right hamstring

photo: Getty Images

According to the report, Kompany had even campaigned internally for Davies‘ contract to be extended, his main argument being that the left-back’s speed was a decisive factor in his playing style

Laimer also in the focus of Bayern’s plans

Alongside Davies, Konrad Laimer will also take center stage. The 28-year-old is set to play an important role in the clash with Real – albeit in a more defensive position. Unlike Davies, he will be positioned deeper in order to better control Vinicius‘ advances in particular

For Laimer, it’s not just about the sporting task at hand, but also about his own future. The Austrian is under particular scrutiny in the ongoing contract poker and now has the chance to underline his value at the highest level

Bayern will rely on a clearly structured defensive tactic against Real, but whether this will work depends largely on Davies‘ fitness – and this remains a decisive factor of uncertainty.