Kompany on the complicated preseason: “It’s like a puzzle” | OneFootball

FC Bayern is in the midst of preseason training—albeit under unusual circumstances. Numerous national team players are returning from vacation at different times, and several pros are still working on their comebacks from injuries. For Vincent Kompany, this preseason is therefore a real challenge. The Bayern coach remained optimistic, however.

Ahead of the friendly against Jeju SK, Kompany spoke during the team’s Asian tour about the unusual roster situation at the German record champions. Compared to the past two summers, he said, the starting point is once again completely different.

“This is the third phase of preseason—each one is different at Bayern,” explained the Belgian.

While nearly the entire squad was available early on during the first summer, last year’s Club World Cup resulted in an extremely tight schedule. The current preseason now presents the coach with a new challenge.

“Now it’s different again; everyone is returning at different times, and some are coming back from rehab, whom we want to integrate gradually. It’s a different puzzle we have to solve.”

Above all, the staggered returns of numerous key players, as well as the need for individualized training load management, are complicating planning. Players like Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Dayot Upamecano are still on World Cup break, while Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, and Ismael Saibari are gradually building up their fitness after injuries.

The focus is on optimal integration

Photo: Getty Images

Despite the unusual situation, Kompany sees no cause for concern. The Bayern coach is convinced that his team will be ready in time for the start of competitive play.

“But we’ll get the necessary match sharpness and physical condition—I’m sure of that. It’s a puzzle, but not impossible. We’re very confident!”

He emphasized that it’s particularly important to reintegrate injured players into the team without any time pressure. “The most important thing is that those returning from injuries can be reintegrated smoothly,” the 40-year-old stressed.

With the friendly matches against Jeju SK and Aston Villa, Kompany aims to lay the groundwork for the final stages of preparation. Afterward, the remaining players returning from the World Cup will rejoin the team before FC Bayern battles Borussia Dortmund for the first title of the new season in the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup on August 22.