'Bayern used to these nights' - Kompany on Villa Park visit
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany says Aston Villa had an "extraordinary" season last year but his side are "used to these nights" as they prepare to visit Villa Park in the Champions League.
Villa welcome the German giants on Wednesday evening for their first home game in Europe's elite competition since 1983.
"I think everything Aston Villa do is very clear," Kompany said in his pre-match news conference: "They're very well organised. You can see what they want to do in every phase of the game. They're compact.
"It's a similar style to Bayer Leverkusen. Being compact between the lines, how they pose a threat on the counter and the runs they want to make in behind. They do that very well, which is why they did so well last season.
"Everyone knows it's been over 40 years since Aston Villa last played in the European Cup. What they did last season was extraordinary. They've earned it. They're a really organised team with a good atmosphere at home. But Bayern are used to these nights. We want to enjoy it, and the players are hopefully up for playing here."
Kompany played in England for 11 years for Manchester City and spent a further two years as Burnley manager, so is well aware of the imposing atmosphere at Villa Park.
"There's great tradition here," he said. "You can see that - you can feel it too. I was in England for a total of 13 years. My wife and children are English. I know the stadium, the team and the coach very well. So, it's important we go into the game full of courage."