Bayern Munich face Atalanta away in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. At the pre-match press conference, Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany talked about the team’s current situation.
On the team’s match strategy
— We will face a very physically strong side. This game has some similarities to the match against Borussia Dortmund — they use a three‑defender system in possession, and their wide players push forward heavily. But what Atalanta have been famous for over the years is their pressing style — that is also a key factor in their success.
They now have experience in European competitions and performed excellently against Bayer Leverkusen. They are not an easy opponent and must not be underestimated. Any expert knows this will be an intriguing tie, but we have our own strengths too. We are aware we are facing a strong Italian side.
On Harry Kane
— Kane has trained well, but we need to wait until tomorrow morning to check his recovery. The important thing is that he can play and make an impact in the game.
On Ulbicht
— He has gained a lot of experience; this is not the first time he has faced a situation like this. But the key is not about Ulbicht alone — it is about the performance of the whole team. Ulbicht is part of it and does not need to play any other role.
On the crucial stage of the season
— In my entire career, I have never felt pressure like this. I prefer to have opportunities — first you have to put yourself in a position to have them. We have that opportunity now. We play the second leg at home, and we want to progress. We have been clear about Bayern’s targets in every competition, and we are now at a stage that is the perfect moment. There is no fear, only focus on taking our chance.
On Italian football and Atalanta
— I know this is a hot topic in Italy. Atalanta are the only Italian team still in the Champions League, so people discuss the level of football here. I watched Inter Milan last season and Atalanta this season, and I see many well-drilled, talented players.
Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen have all had very difficult games recently. From our perspective, this is a special opponent — an interesting game for us coaches and for the team. Atalanta have worked their way to this position and believe they can achieve extraordinary things.
On Atalanta’s level
— I do not know how big the gap is, as I have never worked in Serie A, so I cannot make an accurate judgment. But I do not think the gap is large. Atalanta are in the top four in Serie A, so the gap between them and the top four in the Bundesliga is probably not big either.
In Bergamo, you can see their consistency — that is not something to be taken for granted. They previously had a iconic coach at the club like Gasperini. Replacing a coach like that and moving forward is extremely difficult, but they have done it. The new coach has continued the tradition and brought new elements — that is very positive!
On being favorites
— We are used to being seen as favorites in the vast majority of our games. When people say we are favorites, we accept that role. But that does not mean the result will go as expected — we are facing a very strong team. They can beat anyone; they beat Juventus 3‑0 to reach the cup semi-finals, and they are capable of a great many things.
From a historical perspective, people may consider us favorites — and we want to win the game. But when you watch Atalanta’s performances, you see that anything is possible.
On Italian fans
— We saw them in Atalanta’s game against Dortmund — from our view, Dortmund seemed to have qualification secured at home. They dominated in Dortmund — but in Bergamo, the game was completely different. That is down to the stadium, the team and the fans; it is an important factor. But I can promise you that the Allianz Arena will also be extremely loud on European nights. You will see that in a week’s time.
On Luis Díaz
— The reason we love Luis Díaz is his statistics — they fully show his value to the team. But what is even more impressive is how he performs when things are chaotic — the message he sends in his game is a huge part of what we want to show as a team.
He always gives everything, which shows our desire. That is what Luis Díaz brings us: the image of a team full of desire, willing to give everything and work together to succeed. But that is not all he brings — we are very happy to have a player like him.
