Bayern's Kompany fears March international break less than last year
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany inspects the pitch before the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena. Harry Langer/dpa Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has said he is less concerned about the upcoming international break than last year when thery were hit by injuries. "There’s a big difference compared to last year.
Back then, there were lots of competitive matches during the international break; now there are lots of friendlies," Kompany told reporters on the eve of Saturday's Bundesliga match against Union Berlin after which the break starts. "The coaches have already decided that many players won’t be playing in both matches. I hope things go differently this time.
” Full back Alphonso Davies suffered a cruciate knee ligament tear while on Canada duty 12 months ago and centre back Dayot Upamecano a knee injury at the French team which also ruled him out of the crucial weeks. In addition, centre back Hiroki Ito injured himself in the last Bundesliga match before the break and play-maker Jamal Musiala in the first after it. The players missed key games as Bayern went out in the Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan in April and board member for sport Max Eberl said the injuries were a big contributing factor in the exit.
Bayern face a busy and challenging April again in their bid for a title treble. Apart from the Bundesliga they face record winners Real Madrid in the Champions League and a German Cup semi-final at Bayer Leverkusen. More key matches could loom in May.
Kompany said he has been in contact with national team coaches and it was for instance agreed with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann not to call up Musiala who is suffering from a pain reaction in the left leg he severely injured last July. "We share the same goal when it comes to Jamal Musiala. We want him to be fit; that’s good for us and for the national team," Kompany said.