Home SPORTS L “Bayern Won't Underestimate Pafos” Says Kompany Ahead of Champions League Clash

“Bayern Won't Underestimate Pafos” Says Kompany Ahead of Champions League Clash

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Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany giving instructions during Bayern Munich training




Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany warned against underestimating Pafos FC ahead of their Champions League match, expecting the Cypriot side to elevate their performance for the big occasion.


“We're used to playing against teams who think up something to try and beat us, but so do we. The public may underestimate them, but we won't...”


Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany emphasized that his team won't underestimate Pafos FC ahead of their Champions League match, acknowledging the Cypriot debutants will likely elevate their performance for the big occasion.


Pafos, the reigning Cypriot champions, have had an impressive season, winning four of their five league games and successfully navigating the Champions League qualifying playoffs. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are riding high with eight consecutive wins in all competitions.


As one of the elite European competitions' newest entrants, Pafos FC makes history as the third Cypriot club to participate in the Champions League, following Apoel and Anorthosis Famagusta. They are the first Cypriot team to feature in the competition since Apoel in the 2017-18 season.




“We're used to playing against teams who think up something to try and beat us, but so do we. The public may underestimate them, but we won't,” Kompany told reporters on Monday.


“It's a bit like the Club World Cup. You're playing against teams you don't face often, where you need to start from scratch and don't have a lot of information beforehand.


“We have also seen at the Club World Cup to what extent emotions can play a role. That'll also be an important factor tomorrow. They will keep the game lively... and when you have got all the info, you have got to respect the opposition.”


Pafos FC made a notable debut in the Champions League, holding Greek side Olympiacos Piraeus to a 0-0 draw at the Karaiskakis Stadium. This stalemate showcased the team's defensive capabilities. In their previous encounter with a German side, Pafos FC faced Heidenheim in the Conference League last season and lost 1-0 at home.


“I know they've been very successful in recent years, reaching the Conference League and getting to the round of 16,” Kompany said.


“They then beat Maccabi Tel Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv and Red Star Belgrade, also facing Olympiacos - those are difficult games... They have good tempo up front, are dangerous in transition.


“I know a few of their players. The coach also worked under Unai Emery for 700 games. He's experienced. They're defensively strong but also have structure in attack.”


Pafos FC's coach, Juan Carcedo, boasts extensive experience working alongside Unai Emery, having served as his assistant for 13 years across six prominent clubs, including Almeria, Valencia, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal.


Notable Players in Pafos FC's Squad:

David Luiz: The Brazilian defender, who has played for top-tier clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, has joined Pafos FC on a three-year deal until 2027. Luiz brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team, which will be crucial in their Champions League campaign.




“Playing this big game is a dream come true for us... Bayern is the most in-form team in Europe at the moment. We know how difficult it will be. But we'll try to enjoy it and play our best football,” Carcedo said


Upcoming Match

Pafos FC is set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, scheduled for September 30, 2025, at the Stelios Kyriakidis Stadium in Paphos.




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