Company at Tegernsee - 'That is no small mountain'

Bavaria-Training Camp - Company at Tegernsee - 'That is no small mountain'

At the start of the training camp by Tegernsee, Vincent Kompany felt the hill that Felix Magath had once intimidated Bayern stars with, two decades ago. "They say it's a small hill - it's not a small hill", said the Belgian Kompany after the hike up the 1722-meter high Wallberg for alpine hikers at Rottach-Egern.

"Going up is fine", said Kompany. But coming down, a long-time professional could feel it in his hips and knees. "General attack" - and "no big speeches"

The Bayern team, after a dismal season, want to bounce back under the new trainer. While honorary president Uli Hoeneß called for a "General attack of FC Bayern Munchen" after the first title-less season since 2011/12, Kompany was more reserved at his first press conference after taking office. "It's important that we show a common reaction. We don't need to make big speeches", said the 38-year-old.

Kompany seemed in good spirits at the noble team hotel by the picturesque Tegernsee. He joked about how long it would take him to get to know Bavarian culture in six or seven years. "Why are you all laughing?", said Kompany, and then laughed loudly himself. His contract runs until 2027. Three years, the length of time Pep Guardiola was coach at FC Bayern before him. "Of course, Pep Guardiola had a big influence on me. But it's important to find your own way", said the former Manchester City professional.

Kane, Musiala and others

To his own way belongs, at least according to the first training week, not talking about individual players. "I understand the question, I really do. But we could go through all the names: Harry Kane, Musiala, what do I think about Goretzka, Serge Gnabry... I could go on like this all evening, but that's not my intention", he said. "Names don't belong in my thinking."

He was asked about Joshua Kimmich's position as a national player, whose future is being speculated about. Or how things are going with Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry at the record champions.

"You've spoken about buying, selling. That's not my job", he said in response to a reporter's question. He reacted similarly when asked about Hoeneß's appearance at an amateur club's jubilee the day before.

Kompany: Not here to comment on Hoeneß

"I'm not here to hold a press conference about what Uli Hoeneß said", said Kompany. "I have great respect for him. But my job is to focus on my work." And the focus is on getting his still depleted squad back in shape before the first game under him against the underclass FC Rottach-Egern on Wednesday.

"I want to work with these talented players every day and create something special", said Kompany. A demand, similar to that of his predecessor Thomas Tuchel for a "Holding Six" - currently unimaginable with Kompany. About such topics, one should talk to Sporting Director Max Eberl or Sporting Executive Director Christoph Freund, said Kompany.

Praise from Hoeneß

The Munich team have so far signed defender Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart), midfielder João Palhinha (FC Fulham), and winger Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) in this transfer period. For this, they paid around 125 million Euros in transfer fees. Hoeneß had emphasized that there would be more new signings if notable professionals were sold.

"FC Bayern doesn't have a moneybag", said Hoeneß, who was impressed by Kompany. "His core message: The work must be in the spotlight! And that's something that appealed to me."

1. Vincent Kompany reflected on the same hill that once intimidated Bayern stars, including himself, two decades ago, during the training camp at Tegernsee.
2. Kompany, the new trainer of FC Bayern Munchen, acknowledged the difficulty of descending the 1722-meter high Wallberg after an alpine hike in Rottach-Egern.
3. The Belgian coach urged for unity among the Bayern team, which had a disappointing season, and emphasized the importance of a collective response instead of grand speeches.
4. Kompany was in high spirits during his first press conference and joked about getting accustomed to Bavarian culture throughout his contract duration, extending until 2027.
5. The 38-year-old coach acknowledged the impact of Pep Guardiola on his coaching style but emphasized the need to find his unique approach.
6. Regarding individual players, Kompany preferred to focus on team strategies rather than making comments about Harry Kane, Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Musiala, and others.
7. When asked about Joshua Kimmich's future or the status of Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry at FC Bayern, Kompany diverted the conversation towards his focus on team training and preparation.
8. The head coach stated that discussing Hoeneß's appearance at an amateur club's jubilee or transfer-related topics was not his responsibility.
9. In response to a question about managing finances and potential transfers, Kompany suggested speaking with Sporting Director Max Eberl or Sporting Executive Director Christoph Freund.
10. FC Bayern Munchen has added defender Hiroki Ito, midfielder João Palhinha, and winger Michael Olise to its roster during the transfer period, costing the club around 125 million Euros in transfer fees.
11. Uli Hoeneß praised Kompany's emphasis on teamwork and commended him for focusing on the importance of hard work in his new role as Bayern's coach.

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