Bad memories: Kompany hopes for a mild international break | OneFootball

The international break remains a risk for FC Bayern – but this time, Vincent Kompany is much more relaxed about the forthcoming departures of his stars. The reason lies above all in one decisive difference to last year

Almost the entire Bayern squad is currently away with their national teams. From Harry Kane and Michael Olise to the two debutants Jonas Urbig and Lennart Karl, numerous Munich players are on duty. Seven professionals alone have been nominated for the German national team

The memories of last year are still present at Säbener Straße, when Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano were hit hard during the international break – both suffered knee injuries and were out for months

This had massive consequences for FC Bayern, with sporting director Max Eberl retrospectively describing these absences as the „casus crucis“ of the season. Several key players were missing during the decisive phase, which ultimately contributed to the team’s elimination from the Champions League

Kompany recalled this phase after the recent win against Atalanta Bergamo: „A year ago, we said: top, everyone is fit. And suddenly we had four players missing.“

Friendly matches provide hope

This time, however, the situation is different: whereas last year there were competitive matches, these are now mainly test matches as part of the World Cup preparations

Kompany sees this as the decisive difference: „They were competitive matches, now they are mostly friendlies.“ The hope behind this is clear – less pressure, less risk

The Bayern coach is also in close contact with the national coaches, including national coach Julian Nagelsmann, and a clear trend is emerging: many coaches are apparently planning not to give their players a full workload in both games. „Many national coaches have already decided that the players probably won’t play two games,“ revealed Kompany. A signal that is being received positively in Munich

Focus on Real Madrid

photo: IMAGO

The focus is already clearly on the next big highlight: the Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid at the beginning of April – a clash for which FC Bayern will be keen to be at their best

The message is clear: Munich are relying on cooperation and consideration to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Kompany sums it up: „That’s why I hope everything goes well for us this time.“

After the bitter experiences of the previous year, that would be crucial for FC Bayern.