📣 Kompany talks Neuer injury, crowded schedule, Mathys Tel form

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been talking to the press ahead of the game away at Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Thoughts first turned to a possible injury to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“He will train today and then we will decide,” the Belgian boss told reporters. “He has a lot of experience, so we’ll speak after training and decide. We just didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. But it’s looking good.”

One of the hot topics this season is the number of games that players are being asked to compete in, and Kompany gave his thoughts on the matter.

It’s not just about the games, but also about the travel – including with the national team. That’s about 75, 80 games. Even as a player, I demanded that a maximum number of games needs to be set for the players, that it should be limited. That protects their health and the interests of the clubs.

“And ultimately the coaches too, for whom it’s not easy either. That would make a lot of sense.

“We were talking about the crowded schedule and stress on the players. We want to use the whole squad. It would not be possible without every single player.

“I can’t say whether I will change much tomorrow. The squad is not a luxury, we need it to achieve our goals. Names are not important, the boys should fight for their spot.”

Inevitably, the conversation turned to Michael Olise, who had very little of a pre-season break after he went all the way to the Olympic final with France.

“I didn’t think it was bad that he played at the Olympics. He came back very fit. He’s already playing a good role and will make many good steps. Now he should stay calm and keep it up.”

Youngster Mathys Tel has struggled with his form of late, with Christoph Freund confirming that the player would not be going out on loan this season.

“I was once a young player too,” Kompany sympathised. “It’s completely normal to have ups and downs. He just has to keep going. We believe in him.”

Bayern currently sit top of the Bundesliga, the only side to have taken maximum points from their opening three games this season.