„Always afraid…“: Kompany with a surprising confession | OneFootball

FC Bayern went into the winter break with a clear 4-0 win at 1. FC Heidenheim. But behind the clear result lay an exceptional personnel situation that pushed even coach Vincent Kompany to his limits. The record champions went into the final game of the year on the last groove in terms of personnel – and mastered this challenge with remarkable aplomb

The list of absentees was already long before the game, with the squad thinned out by infection-related absences, minor injuries and international withdrawals. Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof and Sacha Boey were all absent through illness, Minjae Kim was suffering from knee problems, Nicolas Jackson was already at the Africa Cup and captain Manuel Neuer was out with a torn muscle fibre. The situation was so tense that even Joshua Kimmich travelled to Heidenheim despite ankle problems – although Kompany said he was „99 per cent“ unfit for action

„When the doctor comes, you’re scared“

photo: IMAGO

After the game, Vincent Kompany gave a rarely candid insight into his emotional world. „When the doctor comes by, you’re always scared. Because you know you’re losing a player,“ explained the Belgian. The week at Säbener Straße felt „like a corona week in terms of feeling“ – even if there were no Covid cases. Every new medical check could mean more bad news

From the coach’s point of view, the fact that FC Bayern remained stable under these circumstances is anything but a matter of course. Kompany had to improvise in the starting eleven, fill new positions and make decisions that normally take time. He also had the courage to give two talents their first professional minutes. Cassiano Kiala and David Daiber celebrated their Bundesliga debuts in Heidenheim – in a phase that was supposed to be all about security

Pride, professionalism and a clear signal

The team’s performance was all the more remarkable, with goals from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Harry Kane securing a commanding away win that almost made them forget the shortage of players. This success was a special moment for Kompany, who said he was „very proud“ of his team and emphasised that such a result under these circumstances was by no means a matter of course

Sporting director Max Eberl echoed the same sentiment, saying that the win „rounded off an outstanding first half of the season“. He particularly emphasised the professionalism with which the team took on every game – regardless of the opponent, location or personnel situation. At the same time, Eberl was already looking ahead. The decisive factor will be „when it really counts, in March, April, May“. That is exactly where FC Bayern want to be

The performance in Heidenheim was therefore more than just another win. It was a signal both internally and externally. Despite absences, despite improvisation and despite the strain, FC Bayern remains stable, focused and hungry. Eberl spoke of the „desire and greed“ that he senses in the team. Kompany, in turn, proved that he remains calm and inspires confidence even in difficult phases – even when the squad is on its last legs.