Bayern Munich’s grip on the Bundesliga remains unshaken, as Vincent Kompany’s side delivered a ruthless display against Bayer Leverkusen — the very team that ended their record streak of 11 straight league titles last season. The defending champions tore through their visitors with ease, even though several star names were left out of the starting lineup.
Kompany opted to rest key figures such as Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise, yet the changes made little difference. Bayern stormed to a 3-0 lead before any of those regulars even stepped onto the pitch. By the time the trio were introduced just before the hour mark, the game was already out of Leverkusen’s reach.
Strategic rotation and clear priorities
The Belgian coach’s decision reflected a broader strategy. Bayern have not lifted the DFB-Pokal since 2020, and with a domestic cup tie against 1. FC Köln looming midweek, Kompany clearly had one eye on ending that drought. He also looked ahead to a far tougher test in the Champions League, where his team will face holders Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.
Speaking before kickoff, Kompany explained his logic: “When I saw the schedule six weeks ago, I knew this fixture could be risky in terms of workload. If players can’t go the full distance, I prefer they come on later rather than play an hour. It’s better for them and for us.”
Club executive Max Eberl backed the coach’s thinking, saying Bayern’s ambition stretched across all competitions. “Vinny has a clear plan and communicates it well,” Eberl told Sky Germany. “At some point, Harry needs a rest.”
Fast start and relentless execution
After the match, Kompany admitted that such a heavy rotation could have backfired. “If I were in your place,” he told reporters, “I might have thought things could go wrong today. The opponent probably thought this was their big chance too.” But Bayern never gave Leverkusen that opening.
Kompany praised his players for their intensity from the first whistle. “We started as if shot from a cannon,” he said. “We attacked without hesitation and found our rhythm early. We didn’t think — we acted.”
That approach, Kompany noted, carries risks but reflects his broader philosophy. “It can be dangerous, but that’s why you build a squad,” he concluded. “If you don’t trust it, what’s the point?”
