Football club World Cup: Company between group victory and team chemistry

What does Vincent Kompany do? Rotate big? Anything else would actually be foolish in the last group game against the good, old champions League known from Benfica Lisbon. Finally, on Tuesday (9:00 p.m. CEST/SAT.1. And DAZN), in the predicted mega heat of Charlotte for FC Bayern, it is no longer about the whole.

The Munich team already stand in the co-phase of the club World Cup. This “only” is one of the first place in group C. and a possibly less strong opponent in the round of 16 and a supposedly more promising path in the rounds after the declared dream destination of the German football champion: the final in the Metlife stage at the gates of New York on July 13th.

“We only have what is right for us,” said Kompany immediately after the powerful 2-1 in the key game against the Boca Juniors in Miami. The Bavaria coach was immediately asked by concerned Argentine reporters whether the league leader (6 points) could possibly agree on a tie with Benfica (4) that would end up with the two teams.

Company counters Boca reporter: “Playing for victory”

Because then Boca (1 point) would be out as a group third even with a programmed high victory against Auckland City. Company laughed when he heard the question. “Yeah, it’s about Bayern Munich. It is absolutely impossible not to play for victory. We play for victory – hundred percent,” he said.

But that doesn’t mean that the Bavaria qualified for the round of 16 have to compete with the top team. As a group first, you would meet Chelsea or Espérance Tunis FC at the start of the KO phase. Secondly, Flamengo from Brazil would be the first in group D of the opponent.

When it came to the importance of first place, Kompany recalled the 2018 World Cup in Russia. There he was still a player for Belgium, which was already further after two group games – like Bayern Munich.

There were also many discussions there, according to the motto: “If you win the last group game, you play the more difficult ko round. If you lose the easier. We won’t calculate too much. You can only give your team the task of winning,” Kompany announced.

A balancing act between winning and the team chemistry that is so important at a tournament comes to the coach. Reservists must also be kept happy. There is also a sensible load control.

At 36 degrees Celsius, the hottest day of the week in Charlotte in the US state of North Carolina is announced at 36 degrees Celsius. The Bank of America Stadium is also completely open. The sun will burn. And the first of Group C would play the round of 16 again four days later.

Urbig, Bishop, Aznou – Chance for Youngster

These facts speak for a rotation. Temporary staff such as Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Harry Kane or Michael Olise could be spared from Kompany against Benfica in whole or at least partially.

Youngster Jonas Urbig could stand in the goal for captain Neuer. “No, there is no agreement,” said Neuer. The 39-year-old always wants to play. “The coaching team decides these things, not only on the goalkeeper position, but basically at the first eleven,” reported the captain, who has had some injuries and can use breaks.

Company wants to take all players with them in the long tournament. Playing time for bank pressers creates a better internal climate. Newcomer Tom Bischof or Portuguese João Palhinha have not yet played a World Cup minute. Leroy Sané could play again in the Munich starting eleven after the end of his contract after the round of 16 and switching to Galatasaray Istanbul.

Of course, the Munichers do not want to slog down against Benfica, against which FC Bayern has not yet lost any competitive game. “We never want to play easily. We just want to perform our performance against Benfica and take the game seriously,” announced national player Tah.