Kompany Attributes Bayern Munich’s Challenges Against Celtic to Packed Fixture List

Coach Vincent Kompany expressed that Bayern Munich’s hectic fixture schedule impacted their performance during a 1-1 draw with Celtic on Tuesday, which required a late equaliser to progress to the Champions League Round of 16.

Despite qualifying 3-2 on aggregate in the playoff round, Bayern faced significant challenges against the Scots, who created more scoring opportunities and took the lead in the 63rd minute through Nicolas Kuhn, a former Bayern reserve player.

The hosts managed to secure their advancement to the next stage with a dramatic last-minute goal from Alphonso Davies, following their previous week’s 2-1 win in Glasgow.

Bayern, currently leading the Bundesliga, played in Glasgow last week and then faced off against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, where the match ended in a goalless draw.

“We’ve consistently discussed the number of matches we’ve had in just six days,” Kompany stated at a press conference. “It’s quite straightforward. The first half could have been improved, but the second half showed promise. We created opportunities and could have scored more.”

“Navigating this kind of schedule is not straightforward. It’s essential to view it in that light. Our aim is to align our performance with the results, starting this Sunday.”

Bayern, boasting an eight-point advantage over second-placed Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, may be without Harry Kane when they host Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, who sit five points further behind in third place, as the striker was substituted at half-time.

“We were in Glasgow on Wednesday, then faced Leverkusen. It’s a considerable energy expenditure. Naturally, after such a second match, it’s reasonable to require an extra day for recovery,” Kompany noted, reassuring that Kane’s facial knock during the match against Leverkusen was not severe.

“He (Kane) gave us the thumbs up this morning. However, during the game, he felt he couldn’t provide full support to the team. We didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. I’m unsure how long he may be sidelined or if he’s injured.”