11 hours ago
🎙️ Kompany expects 'emotional' Boca Juniors clash and talks Coman future
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany expects plenty of emotion during the club's upcoming Club World Cup clash against Boca Juniors.
The Argentine side began the tournament with a chaotic 2-2 draw against Benfica, which featured three sending-offs. Now with the top spot in the group on the table, the manager is aware that things might get dramatic.
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"We watched the Boca vs. Benfica game, and there were emotions in the game," said Kompany during his pre-match press conference. "But we want to be Bayern Munich. We have to show the right emotion.
"We know a lot of Argentine players from European leagues. It's a type of football we understand very well.
"We know the quality of South American teams, also through South American players who play in Europe. South American teams have always played very well in the World Cups, too."
Bayern, meanwhile, are coming off a 10-0 thrashing against amateur side Auckland City in their Club World Cup opener. With arguably their biggest test ahead, Kompany expects a much tougher experience against the legendary Argentine club.
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"We respect Boca," he said. "They're a very dangerous team in transition. The team's spirit is good. They're a very good team."
"[Luis Advíncula] is physically strong, fast, and has a lot of experience. He's been to many clubs, and the coach is counting on him to bring stability in important games. But Boca has many players with a lot of quality."
Fortunately for the 39-year-old, he can rely on the efforts of a healthy squad.
Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano are fit, while Kingsley Coman has reiterated his desire to stay at the club and show his best work on the pitch.
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"Before the tournament, there was a question about which players would get fit the fastest: the national team players or those who had been there the whole time," said Kompany.
"Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano haven't played for a long time. We're very happy they're back and fit. Integration is an important issue, and we'll have to see how it goes. Otherwise, everyone is 100 percent fit. It's about healthy competition and tactics."
Unfortunately, Kingsley was injured a few times, but otherwise he's always played an important role. When a player plays, it's a sign. King has repeatedly scored important goals for the club," Kompany added.
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"We have four players on the wing who have a lot of quality, plus the other players who can play there too. We've never been short of quality. The only thing that matters to me now is the tournament."
Ultimately, a win against Boca Juniors on Friday evening will send the Bavarians through to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.
📸 FEDERICO PARRA - AFP or licensors
