Bayern Munich’s Kompany: My children prompted me to curb my angry reactions
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany stated that he has learned to maintain his composure as he wishes to avoid using inappropriate language in front of his children.
The former Manchester City captain’s past behavior has caused issues at home, as he disclosed during his preparations for his team’s Bundesliga match against struggling FC Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
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<pWhen asked about moments of frustration, Kompany replied at a press conference: "My children have seen it on YouTube when I used foul language in the Premier League. It doesn't put me in a strong position at home when I'm raising them, instructing them on what to say and what not to say."
“However, when I become truly frustrated, particularly when we display too much arrogance… we need to be confident in our strength, which we already recognize. But I disapprove of unnecessary arrogance. If we perform below our usual standards, it can sometimes irritate me.”
“This work is incredibly important to me, as it reflects respect towards the club and the opponents. That is why I strive to remain as calm as possible.”
While arrogance is not accepted within the Bayern squad, confidence is understandably elevated following a streak of 10 matches that includes nine victories and a draw since their sole defeat this season, a 3-1 loss in the Champions League to Arsenal on November 26.
They currently hold an 11-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the standings, although they had to rally from behind to secure wins against both FC Cologne and RB Leipzig in their last two league matches prior to Wednesday night’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Union St-Gilloise.
Kompany remarked: “It’s the Bundesliga. When the opponents are so energized in the first 45 minutes and give their all for the game plan, it isn’t easy for us to score two or three goals and conclude the match.”
“It doesn’t operate that way, neither in the Bundesliga nor in the Champions League. Against Leipzig, our opponents started much stronger than us. We managed to endure that, but I don’t want to witness that again. We wrote a different narrative in the second half.”
“However, that’s different from other matches. I would prefer things not to go well in the first half and then improve in the second. The opposite scenario would be a significant issue.”
Augsburg has suffered defeats in their last seven encounters with the champions across all competitions, including a 3-2 loss at home in August, and have conceded 25 goals since a 1-0 home victory in September 2022.
Nonetheless, they will be without Dayot Upamecano, who is unwell and has joined a list of absentees that also includes fellow defenders Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer, and Sacha Boey.
Bayern is still awaiting a response from Upamecano regarding a contract extension offer, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in acquiring the French defender.
“There was speculation that Upa had more or less agreed. We never stated that,” Bayern’s sporting board member, Max Eberl, mentioned on Friday. “We said we’re waiting on Upa’s response. That’s the only thing that matters, and that’s what we’re anticipating.”
Upamecano transferred from Leipzig in 2021 when Bayern paid his release clause of approximately €43 million (then $52.2 million). If he does not sign an extension, he will be able to leave Bayern for free at the end of the season when his current contract expires.
“I’m not under any pressure. I hope for a resolution soon. I don’t have a deadline,” the player stated this month.
PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
