Every season presents new challenges and for Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, it is a puzzle he must solve.
“First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for the warm welcome we’ve received since arriving on Jeju. I believe these trips are part of the preparation for most teams – so it’s crucial that we can travel, train, and play under the best possible conditions. All these conditions have been met, so this will be a very positive part of our preparation for the season,” said Kompany (as captured
by @iMiaSanMia). “This is my third preseason here at Bayern – each one has been different. Last year was after the Club World Cup, which felt like the most difficult situation – but we had our full squad back together, although only a very short time before the first matches.
“Now it’s different again; everyone is returning at a different time, some are coming off rehab, and we want to integrate them gradually. It’s a different puzzle we have to solve. But I’m sure we’ll get the necessary match fitness and physical condition. It’s a puzzle, but not impossible. We’re very confident. And the most important thing is that those returning from injuries can be reintegrated well.”
While Kompany understands the promotional aspect of these trip, he does not want to let the need for focus and hard work fall to the wayside.
“The first thing I told the players was: We’re arriving now, and it’s part of this week to also have to attend promotional and media events. And also play games in another country. But it’s preseason; we have to work seriously and professionally, doing everything we do in Munich or anywhere else the same way. We have to be focused, that’s the most important thing. But we’re used to this, and it’s part of preseason for most teams. So it’s fine,” Kompany stated.
Bayern Munich will be one of the favorites in Europe this season to win the Champions League, but managing the team during this complex season to get to that point will not be easy. That is, however, why they pay the Belgian the big bucks.
For now, though, the coach will embrace the process of figuring things out and getting his team ready to the challenges that lie ahead.
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