Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, said, Bayer Leverkusen are a side that “defend very deep”, adding, “I hope that we will build on our strengths and concentrate on ourselves, no matter how Leverkusen plays”.
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| Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, at his press conference ahead of the DFB Cup 2024/25 Round of 16 match against Bayer Leverkusen at Allianz Arena on Tuesday 3 December, 2024. Photo: @FCBayernEN |
The Belgian made the statement at his press conference ahead of the DFB Cup match between his side and Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich will welcome Bayer Leverkusen at Allianz Arena for the DFB Cup 2024/25 Round of 16 match on Tuesday 3 December, 2024 at 20:45 (WAT).
Kompany also disclosed, his sharpshooter, Harry Kane, is injured and will be missing in action against the Black and Reds tomorrow.
At his press conference ahead of the match, Kompany said:
On Harry Kane’s Injury absence…
“It’s difficult to predict, but there’s a possibility that he’ll still play this year. However, he’ll miss a few games first. You can’t replace him like-for-like. He’s a top player, but we’ll find another solution to this situation. We won’t be lacking talent tomorrow.”
On the DFB Cup…
“In the past week, we’ve already played against PSG and Dortmund, so this is another special match, but we need this pressure to be at our best level. I like it when the games get bigger. We became footballers for moments like these. Tomorrow will be important: we play against the cup holders and so this is one of the top games. I hope our performance will match the size of this game.”
On how to play without Kane…
“We have a lot of options: Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Leroy Sané. […] Harry has already scored 20 goals this season and you can’t replace that, but we have players who can score goals and fill the role, even if we can’t make up the goals with a like-for-like replacement.”
On Xabi Alonso and previous duels with the Spaniard…
“As a defender, I was far away from Xabi Alonso on the field. As a player, he always found passes, no matter the distance. Now we are coaches and we live for this job. I think he will transfer his experience to his players because he knows the game.”
On Bayer Leverkusen’s form…
“We have played against almost every team in the league now. Leverkusen’s squad is one of the best. They defend very deep and did the same against us in our first meeting this season. I don’t know if they will approach things in a similar way tomorrow. I hope that we will build on our strengths and concentrate on ourselves, no matter how Leverkusen plays.”
