Not enough rotation? Kompany’s approach could spell trouble | OneFootball

Vincent Kompany has quickly established clear lines at FC Bayern. But it is precisely this consistency that could become a real test in the coming months.

At the moment, Kompany is placing particular trust in four key players who are almost ever-present: Luis Díaz (1,168 minutes played), Harry Kane (1,163), Michael Olise (1,156), and Joshua Kimmich (1,137). Even when there is rotation, these names are usually in the starting lineup—most recently against Borussia Mönchengladbach and also in the 4-1 DFB-Pokal win over 1. FC Köln. The fact that Bayern has won all 14 of their 14 matches this season bears the signature of this quartet.

The question is what will happen when the Champions League, the Bundesliga run-in, and the cup all come to a head in the spring. Recent history offers warning signs: Last season, Jamal Musiala was missing in the Champions League quarterfinal against Inter, and a year earlier, Harry Kane was sidelined in the semifinal second leg in Madrid.

“In Madrid, it was already borderline,” said then-coach Thomas Tuchel. “We tried with injections and treatments. His back completely locked up.”

Kompany in a Dilemma

Photo: IMAGO

Alternatives are available, but not without question marks. Tom Bischof has the talent, but lacks experience at knockout level. Serge Gnabry fluctuates in form and availability. Lennart Karl brings pace and ideas, but at 17 is only just starting out. In attack, Nicolas Jackson has yet to convince, while the greatest hope rests on Jamal Musiala’s imminent return—the attacking player would immediately bring real flexibility.

Kompany thus faces the classic coach’s balancing act: too much rotation risks rhythm and points, too little leaves the key players staggering in crunch time. The decisive moment will be when consistency and relief have to be recalibrated—not in autumn, but precisely when every minute counts.

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