Vincent Kompany Says “Anything is Possible” as Bayern Chase Champions League Top-Eight Spot

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany remains optimistic about his team's chances of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League ahead of their final league match against Slovan Bratislava.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany remains optimistic about his team's chances of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League, despite the odds being against them. Ahead of their final league match against Slovan Bratislava at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, Kompany said, “We're playing at home. This is a special place for us and here, anything is possible...” Bayern currently sit 15th in the new league phase and need a win against Slovan, combined with favorable results in other matches, to avoid the knock-out playoff round and qualify directly for the last 16.

🗣️ 𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #UCL 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁 💬

That's a difficult question. I can't criticise the format. In terms of fairness, you have to judge that after the competition. The varying fixture lists obviously have an impact but that's no criticism. In terms of entertainment… pic.twitter.com/xhUZGWwfXl

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 28, 2025

Kompany emphasized that Bayern's focus should be on their own performance, rather than worrying about the outcomes of other games. “We've got no control over what happens in the other games, it's all about our own performance,” he said. Kompany also acknowledged that his team may need to take more risks later in the game, depending on the score and the progress of other matches. “It won't be an issue until late in the game, and maybe we'll get some info that we need another goal or two, then we can take a bit more risk,” he added.

📌 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: #UCL night at home! 💫

On Wednesday, we face Slovan Bratislava in the @ChampionsLeague at the Allianz Arena. 🏟️🔴#FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #FCBSLO 🔜 pic.twitter.com/CaBDRLaNxe

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 26, 2025

Bayern have struggled with consistency in the Champions League this season, particularly away from home, suffering losses to Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Feyenoord. However, Thomas Muller came to the defense of his team, insisting that comments made by teammate Joshua Kimmich, suggesting that Bayern were “no longer a top team,” had been taken out of context. Muller said, “What you look at the table, I know what he meant. What's nice in football is that you don't need to be a top team in January, but in May.”