"These players aren’t kids any more": Kompany issues Oktoberfest warning | OneFootball

The Oktoberfest is approaching in Munich. Coach Vincent Kompany made a clear statement to the FC Bayern professionals.

Vincent Kompany sent a clear message to his professionals before FC Bayern's Bundesliga match against TSG Hoffenheim. When asked about the Oktoberfest, the coach made it clear that he trusts his team to behave professionally despite the Wiesn.

"Whether it's Wiesn or not – for us, life must not change so that the performances are right. Of course, it's a special feeling in Munich at this time, we all feel it! But I also trust in these moments, the players are no longer children, some even have children themselves – they know how to behave," said Kompany at the press conference.

The Belgian coach wants to prevent distractions from clouding the focus on sporting success. Bayern stands confidently at the top of the table after three wins from the first league games and wants to continue their streak in Hoffenheim. The Oktoberfest also begins in the Bavarian capital on Saturday.

Around the Oktoberfest period, the mix of football and folk festival has been a tradition in Munich for decades. Time and again, Bayern played in special jerseys on Wiesn weekends, and fans and players used their free hours for visits to the Theresienwiese.

However, this custom will change in the long run. The reason is the new international match calendar, which will apply from 2026. With the elimination of one of the previous international match windows in the fall and the extension of the September/October period to 16 days, national team matches will now directly coincide with the Oktoberfest. As a result, the record champion will no longer have home games during the Wiesn.

Eberl regrets break with Oktoberfest tradition

Sports director Max Eberl recently expressed understanding for the adjustments but also emphasized that a Munich tradition is being lost. "Oktoberfest home match days are always a celebration in Munich. I know this all too well because I grew up here, supported FC Bayern early on, and experienced one or two Wiesn games. From a sporting perspective, the reform has advantages, but of course, a piece of Bavarian tradition is lost, which many FC Bayern fans rightly regret," said Eberl.

Photo: IMAGO

The new rhythm will remain in place until at least 2030. For Bayern, this means Wiesn games will become a rarity. However, this season, the players can once again enjoy the special Munich flair – as long as they maintain the balance between professionalism and tradition. Kompany relies on the experience and discipline of his team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.