Second leg against Bergamo: Kompany faces tricky Bayern decisions | OneFootball

FC Bayern have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after their 6-1 win in Bergamo. But ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena, the focus is less on the result and more on the line-up. Vincent Kompany has to make several tricky decisions despite his comfortable starting position

The clash against Atalanta Bergamo seems to have already been decided from a sporting point of view. There is much to suggest that the Munich side will book their place in the last eight, where they will most likely face Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the second leg will bring its own challenges – especially in terms of personnel

The biggest construction site is currently between the posts. With Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich and Leon Klanac all out, the situation comes down to a simple but crucial question: Will Jonas Urbig be able to make it?

The 22-year-old has returned to training after suffering a concussion and it is quite realistic that he will play. However, if he is not given the green light, it could lead to an unusual scenario. According to information from SPORT1, the final clearance from the medical department is still pending

In this case, Leonard Prescott would probably make his debut – at the age of just 16 and directly on Europe’s biggest stage. A risk that Kompany actually wants to avoid, but may have to take

Risk management in defense

photo: IMAGO

While it’s all about availability in goal, it’s all about risk in defense. Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer each have two yellow cards and would be suspended in the quarter-final first leg if they receive another caution

The question is therefore: will Kompany play it safe or rely on his regulars?

Minjae Kim is an experienced replacement, and Tom Bischof could also be an option. At the same time, it is clear that the yellow cards will only be rescinded after the quarter-final – so tactical calculations are unavoidable

The situation in attack is even more complicated: Michael Olise is suspended, Jamal Musiala is injured – and there is still a question mark over Harry Kane

Kompany will therefore have to rethink his attack: Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl could come into focus, while Kane will probably only start if he is 100 per cent fit

Should the Englishman be rested, Nicolas Jackson, of all people, could return to center stage. After his red card in Leverkusen, it would be a chance to make amends

On paper, the second leg is a clear-cut affair, but that is precisely the challenge. Kompany must find a balance between rotation, load management and sporting ambition. Taking too many risks could take its toll – not necessarily against Bergamo, but with a view to the possible quarter-final.