Kompany: Bayern Will Bounce Back Stronger After Barcelona Defeat

Bayern Munich will take lessons from their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona, but head coach Vincent Kompany said on Saturday that the German team’s confidence in achieving a successful season remains strong as they prepare for Sunday’s league match against VfL Bochum.

The Bavarians conceded three goals in the first half on Wednesday as they lost the second consecutive match in the Champions League following their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier in October.

However, they remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga, sitting at the top of the table with 17 points, just ahead of RB Leipzig on goal difference.

“There are games where it is clear what happened. But that was a game with a lot of moments and not everything went wrong,” Kompany, in his first season in charge, told a press conference.

“There were also good moments which we did not use or were not too concentrated.”

Kompany said his team could have been more effective in the first half and refused to blame his defense for the four goals.

Bayern are eager to rebound this season after a trophyless campaign last year, during which Bayer Leverkusen secured the domestic league and cup double.

“We conceded four goals. But I would not just talk about that (defence). It’s too easy. The responsibility lies with the entire team,” Kompany said.

“We have the quality and players. I understand we lost and we have to accept the criticism. But I do not want to lose sight of what the boys can achieve if they take the next steps.

“The basis is that the team works and that it learns from such moments. We are not surprised that not all was perfect. It is normal. After all, we did not win a title last season.”

On Wednesday, Neuer failed to make a save against Barcelona. The veteran number one was also at fault for one of the goals when he came out of his net and failed to make any meaningful contact with the ball.

On the recent criticism of Neuer, Kompany said, “We lost. When we lose, we lose together; it’s not just Manu but the whole team and the coaches. That’s important. If Manu changes his game, it’s only to get even better. Criticism is part of it, but hopefully, we can be successful against Bochum”

Since Manuel Neuer returned from his broken leg in the summer of 2023, discussions about his future have been ongoing, with many questioning whether it’s time for him to step aside.

These conversations have gained traction, especially considering that Bayern Munich has Alexander Nübel on loan at VfB Stuttgart, where he has delivered consistent performances and recently earned a call-up to the German national team.