Bayern Munich are set to face Union Berlin away in the Bundesliga's tenth round. Ahead of the fixture, Vincent Kompany addressed his expectations for the match and the methods employed to maintain the squad's mentality during their winning streak at a press conference.
Will there be rotation tomorrow?
"We'll assess who plays tomorrow. You always ask: 'When will the players rest?' And when they do rest, the question becomes: 'Why are they resting?'"
"We constantly monitor the signals the players give us. But if those signals are positive, if the players recover well, are in good shape and ready for the next match, then we base our decisions on that. So, we'll see tomorrow."
Team Injury Update
"Only Guerreiro picked up a minor knock after the Leverkusen game, so we've decided to rest him tomorrow to allow him to recover, but it's purely a precaution."
You could equal Guardiola's Bundesliga record tomorrow – ten consecutive wins to start the season
"I don't focus on records. I'd rather win the final than break a record, but we've won many matches. The key is mindset: 16 consecutive wins should give you confidence."
Do you still keep in touch with Guardiola?
"I've said many times that Guardiola played a crucial role in my development as both a player and a coach. We haven't had much contact since the summer."
"He's currently focused on guiding Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League, but we maintain regular contact. So one day we'll reconnect. Naturally, I still follow City and hope they secure the league title and achieve success."
On your expectations for this match
"You have to mentally switch gears and turn things around. I realised this within minutes of the Paris match ending. But we can learn from that encounter – our second-half performance was a stark contrast to the first."
"We had to invest immense energy defensively in the second half. Against Cologne in the DFB-Pokal, we also gave our all from the outset. We must adopt that mindset again; it will be a tough battle."
"It's not just about pressing and possession; often it comes down to set pieces, interceptions, and second balls. Moreover, we must work hard to stifle the opposition's attacking momentum. Last season we drew at Union Berlin's home ground, so I don't need to explain much to the lads."
This season, Union Berlin have been formidable at home, losing just one match on their own turf.
"Union Berlin's home advantage is clear. They're a compact side where every player excels at tackling, covers ground tirelessly, and brings experience to bear. They defend crosses superbly and apply immediate pressure on the ball carrier."
"They're very similar to Cologne – comparable in overall strength, extremely brave and compact. Moreover, their forwards possess strong finishing ability. It's a collective mentality – they believe in themselves."
"Furthermore, having drawn with us last year, they'll undoubtedly give their all this season. It remains an exciting challenge, much like facing Paris Saint-Germain. We must be mentally prepared."
On the impact of squad depth
"The squad feels a bit stronger, as Rennert Karl has progressed remarkably quickly and proven he can make an impact. We also have Luis Díaz, who has adapted swiftly and maintained excellent form."
"Kane and Ollisay too – they've stayed fit consistently. We haven't needed to expand the squad, which has been beneficial. Maintaining player fitness is paramount."
"Additionally, Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito will return. I believe these players will play significant roles this season. Everyone in the squad is ready to play and contribute – that absolute confidence is crucial."
How do you maintain the team's motivation and mental resilience during winning streaks?
"After every match, we must immediately reassess our performance. I say this because my career as both a player and coach has taught me: you must always focus on the next game. The Paris match is now behind us, and I don't harbour any sense of a 16-match winning streak."
"We must learn from every match, a process that never ends – regardless of victory or defeat. I hope we maintain consistency. We defeated Paris Saint-Germain, and now we travel to face Union Berlin, where we'll strive to secure another victory."