"That's nonsense!" Kompany states unequivocally in response to the accusation

FC Bayern München Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg

FC Bayern must win the second leg against PSG. Will Vincent Kompany, following in his mentor's footsteps, devise something special for the occasion? Unlikely.

The manager of the German record champions indicated that Vincent Kompany is unlikely to make major tactical changes for Wednesday evening's Champions League semi-final second leg between Bayern Munich and PSG, or to delve deeply into his squad's bag of tricks. However, he noted that there is always room for minor adjustments.

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At the same time, he was keen to defend his former mentor, Pep Guardiola. For years, the Manchester City manager has faced the unflattering criticism that he over-analyses big and important matches and tries to catch the opposition off guard with unorthodox tactics and line-ups – a strategy that, on balance, has often backfired.

The same pattern surfaced during his Bayern Munich tenure. In the 2014 Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, he fielded a daring 4-2-3-1 with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos as a double-six, reportedly at the request of senior players. Instead of overturning the 1-0 first-leg defeat, the Bavarians were brutally exposed on the break and lost 4-0. "The biggest mistake I've ever made as a manager," the Catalan railed afterwards.

Two years later, in the first leg of the semi-final against Atlético Madrid, he surprisingly left out Thomas Müller and Franck Ribéry, preferring Juan Bernat; Bayern lost 0-1 and were ultimately eliminated once again.

"I played under Pep. It's not true that he changes everything in big matches. That's just media nonsense. When you lose, you have to explain yourself. When you win, you're right," Kompany said of his Catalan mentor.

1. FSV Mainz 05 v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

Vincent Kompany brought a hint of Guardiola's influence to Bayern Munich in the first leg.

With Wednesday's Herculean task in mind—a clash with PSG at the Allianz Arena—Kompany stressed that he intends to build on his side's strengths, namely aggressive man-to-man pressing and attacking play. 

"Imagine if I said I wanted to do something completely different—that would be a very silly answer," Kompany explained, dismissing any radical change in approach. "It's about constantly offering the lads small details as solutions. I've probably watched 35 PSG matches now. The lads need to be encouraged in what they've been doing all along!"

In last Tuesday's first leg, though, a distinct whiff of Guardiola wafted through the Parc des Princes. Kompany surprised many by benching ever-present midfielder Konrad Laimer and instead selecting Alphonso Davies, who had recently returned from injury.

Shortly before half-time, Davies did concede a controversial penalty, ultimately converted by Ousmane Dembélé to give Paris a 3-2 lead. Apart from that, however, he delivered a solid performance, so the brief whiff of Guardiola quickly faded at the Parc des Princes. 

FC Bayern: Will Kompany reshuffle his starting line-up again?

The full-back berth remains the sole uncertainty in Bayern's starting line-up for the second leg. "I'm very happy to have these lads," said Kompany, referring to his "luxury situation" with Josip Stanisic, Laimer and Davies all vying for two spots. 

"Everyone knows Konrad for his constant runs. Stani is clean on the ball and possesses incredible pace; though it's not always obvious, he combines speed with smart decision-making. Phonzie, of course, relies on his pace and one-on-one ability. Then there's that left foot, as seen with his cross against Freiburg, that keeps delivering for us."

Nevertheless, Kompany may still tweak his selection: Stanisic struggled against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first leg, so the combative Laimer could shift to the right, allowing Davies to reprise his role on the left and match the pace of Desire Doué.