Kompany Crafting Innovative Strategies to Tackle Bayern Munich’s Defensive Injury Woes

Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich are determined to go “full throttle” and embrace creative solutions in the closing stages of the season, following injuries to key defensive players, as stated by coach Vincent Kompany ahead of their match against mid-table Augsburg on Friday.

With 65 points amassed from 27 matches, Bayern boasts a six-point advantage over reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, their recent form has seen them secure just one victory in their past three Bundesliga encounters, suffering a defeat to struggling VfL Bochum and a draw with Union Berlin, before narrowly edging out St Pauli 3-2 at home.

The team is grappling with significant defensive absences, including left-back Alphonso Davies and central defender Dayot Upamecano, both likely ruled out for the remainder of the season, alongside centre-back Hiroki Ito, who sustained a metatarsal fracture during the win over St Pauli.

Nevertheless, Kompany is optimistic about his squad’s ability to maintain confidence and aggression in the seven league matches that lie ahead.

“We have several options for the full-back position. There’s room for creativity. What’s crucial is that we have confidence and that doesn’t change our objective of going full throttle. We are here to win,” the 38-year-old expressed to reporters on Thursday.

“During the international break, we took the opportunity to plan ahead. You contemplate how to tackle these upcoming fixtures, but then we faced three new injuries. My priority is for the lads to maintain their fitness, and with that, the results will follow.”

Kompany highlighted defender Sacha Boey as a valuable addition to the defensive lineup. The 24-year-old has made 12 appearances for Bayern across all competitions this season.

“Sacha thrives in the right-back position. He’s fit and certainly an option, and he’ll get his chances in the coming weeks. Before his injury, he was in excellent form, and I’m hopeful he can showcase his talents once more,” Kompany remarked.

“At present, we have six players who have consistently featured as full-backs. It’s essential that they remain fit.”

Following the encounter in Augsburg, Bayern will face Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals next Tuesday.