"That’s nonsense!" Kompany defends mentor Guardiola before PSG clash

"That’s nonsense!" Kompany defends mentor Guardiola before PSG clash

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has rejected accusations that his mentor Pep Guardiola overcomplicates big matches, claiming such criticism is misplaced.

As the Bavarians prepare for their must-win Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, the Belgian is expected to avoid drastic tactical overhauls.

Addressing the media, Kompany pointed to Guardiola’s time at Bayern Munich, where bold decisions such as a high-risk setup against Real Madrid in 2014 drew heavy criticism after a 4-0 defeat.

A similar narrative followed in 2016 against Atletico Madrid, when key omissions backfired. Kompany, however, maintains such risks are part of elite-level management.

"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," said Kompany.

"Imagine if I answered this question by saying I absolutely want to do something completely different – that would be a very silly answer from me.

"It's about constantly offering the lads small details as solutions. I've probably watched 35 PSG matches now. The lads need encouragement to stick with what they've been doing all along!"