Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany stated he has mastered the art of staying calm, as he wishes to avoid using foul language in front of his kids.
The former Manchester City captain’s past antics have caused him issues at home, as he disclosed while gearing up for his team’s Bundesliga showdown against struggling FC Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
– Transfer window weekly: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City in pursuit of Bundesliga talent
«When my temper flares, especially when we are overly confident … we must recognize our strength, and we are aware of that. However, I detest unwarranted arrogance. If our performance dips below our usual standards, it can frustrate me.
«This role holds immense significance for me, and it’s a form of respect towards the club and the competitors. Thus, I strive to remain as composed as possible.»
While arrogance is not accepted in the Bayern setup, morale is naturally high following a streak of 10 matches, nine of which were victories and one a draw, since their sole defeat this season, a 3-1 loss in the Champions League to Arsenal on November 26.
They sit 11 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the standings, having come from behind to secure wins against FC Cologne and RB Leipzig in their previous two league outings before Wednesday night’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Union St-Gilloise.
Kompany remarked: «It’s the Bundesliga. When rivals are highly energized in the initial 45 minutes and give their all for the game strategy, it isn’t straightforward for us to rack up two or three goals and end it all.
«It doesn’t unfold that way—neither in the Bundesliga nor in the Champions League. Against Leipzig, our adversaries were significantly superior at the outset. We endured that phase, but I wish to avoid repeating it. We crafted a different narrative in the latter half.
«However, I prefer situations to not be in our favor during the first half and then improve in the second. The reverse scenario would pose a major issue.»
Augsburg has suffered defeat in their last seven encounters against the champions across all competitions, including a 3-2 home loss in August, conceding 25 goals since a 1-0 home win in September 2022.
Nonetheless, they will be without Dayot Upamecano, who is ill and has joined a list of absentees that also includes fellow defenders Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer, and Sacha Boey.
Bayern is still awaiting Upamecano’s reply to a contract extension proposal, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen on acquiring the French defender.
«There were rumors that Upa had nearly come to an agreement. We never claimed that,» asserted Bayern’s sporting board member Max Eberl on Friday. «We stated we’re pending Upa’s response. That is the sole matter that matters, and that’s what we await.»
Upamecano transferred from Leipzig in 2021 when Bayern disbursed his release clause of approximately €43 million (then $52.2 million). Should he not sign an extension, he may exit Bayern without a fee at the end of the season when his existing contract concludes.
«I’m not feeling pressured. I anticipate a resolution shortly. I don’t have a specific deadline,» the player stated this month.
PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
