Following Bayern Munich’s first-leg Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, Vincent Kompany lauded Manuel Neuer’s heroics while warning his side against complacency ahead of the return fixture.
Bayern Munchen boss, the Belgian Vincent Kompany, has insisted that their clash with Real Madrid is far from over, while taking the time to laud a monumental performance from veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The manager hailed the shot-stopper as one of the world’s elite, even light-heartedly admitting his admiration for compatriot Thibaut Courtois.
“We are pleased with the result. A win at the Bernabeu is always a massive achievement and provides a strong foundation for the return leg at our place. We were a constant threat in attack, and our objective is to win the next match as well. The brand of football we are playing gives us every right to dream of qualification,” Kompany declared when questioned on his side’s offensive output.
As expected, the post-match press conference was dominated by praise for Neuer’s match-winning display. “I’ll probably end up in trouble with Courtois, whom I also admire greatly, but Neuer is one of the ‘chosen ones’. He has maintained this level for decades, something very few goalkeepers are capable of. I don’t know what he was like years ago, but today he remains among the very best in the world,” the coach remarked.
“The fact that Neuer was the standout player doesn’t worry us. In games of this magnitude, extraordinary performances are a necessity. We created chances to score more today, and I hope that next week, our attackers will also step up,” added Kompany, who declined to discuss the veteran’s contract situation.
“Neuer’s future is an internal club matter and a personal decision for him; it’s not my place to comment. What matters is what he delivered on the pitch today. He proved he’s in top form, and we relied on his experience and technical quality. He is incredibly dedicated physically, so this level doesn’t surprise me. We will certainly need him at that same standard next week,” he affirmed.
“We have immense respect for the stature of Real Madrid, but we know our potential and what it means to play at the Allianz Arena. Facing a side like Real is a huge challenge, and we will be hunting for another victory,” the Belgian coach added, downplaying any premature euphoria.
“I am happy with the outcome, but for me, the score resets to zero next week. We will fight for the win at home. This group deserves it for their hard work throughout the campaign. It was a positive result, but the tie remains wide open and will demand maximum effort in the return leg,” he reiterated.
Kompany was adamant that “nothing is decided” and that the squad will not get ahead of themselves. “There is no cause for celebration yet, despite the milestone of a hundred games,” the coach noted, steering clear of comparisons to last season when Bayern Munchen were knocked out by Inter in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“I try not to look back too much. Last year, against Inter, the team had to cope with nine absences. The plan now is to have almost everyone available. With nine absences, the scenario changes completely. Both teams are in good form at the moment; what happened previously doesn’t concern me,” he concluded.
