Kompany says Bayern out to raise bar higher
Bayern goes head-to-head with RB Leipzig in the 2025-2026 Bundesliga curtain-raiser, with the reigning champion hosting Ole Werner’s side at the Allianz Arena.
Last season, Vincent Kompany guided Bayern to reclaim the Bundesliga title, finishing 13 points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Leipzig’s seventh-place finish meant it missed out on European qualification for the first time in nine years.
Bayern’s title win ended Leverkusen’s hold on the trophy. Under Kompany’s leadership, the Bavarians amassed 82 points—10 more than the previous season—securing the championship at Kompany’s first attempt.
Bayern scored 99 league goals, its joint second-highest tally since the 1972-1973 season, with Harry Kane playing a part in 34 of them.
Despite being knocked out of the Club World Cup quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain in July, Kompany’s side started the new season on a positive note by winning the German Super Cup 2-1 over Stuttgart.
“You always want to raise the bar a little higher, that will always be the case," Kompany said. "We are champions, so it's okay that we are the favourites.
"But that doesn't mean you'll win the game tomorrow. What's important is that we have the hunger as if we want to win something for the first time."
Discussing the opposition Kompany said: “There is greater variability. They have a new coach and a lot of new structure. They have added some talents and have a strong squad.
“Last season it didn't fit so well. Leipzig is certainly one of the competitors. We have to take the game very seriously. They have wingers with one-on-one situations and also playmakers like Xavi Simmons. They are strong offensively.
"But we are in the Allianz Arena and want to deliver a good performance for the fans.”
Leipzig’s points total dropped to just 51 points last season, 14 fewer than the previous campaign, marking its lowest tally in their nine Bundesliga campaigns.
To add insult to injury, the club scored 53 goals but conceded 48, recording its poorest attacking and second-worst defensive performances in the league’s history – leading to the sacking of head coach Marco Rose.
After taking over in June, Werner officially began his tenure as Leipzig’s permanent manager with a 4-2 win against Sandhausen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal last week.
