Kompany relishing Elversberg challenge for Bayern
Vincent Kompany is relishing the challenge of facing a brand-new opponent in the Bundesliga as Bayern Munich prepares to travel to Elversberg, which has been the surprise package in the early season.
Bayern is facing Elversberg for the first time in a competitive match and is facing a newly-promoted side for the second week running.
After starting its season by thrashing Stuttgart 5-1, Bayern was held to a 0-0 draw by Schalke last weekend, meaning it did not sit top of the Bundesliga table heading into a matchweek for the first time since matchday two of the 2024-2025 season.
Elversberg, which has a population of only a little more than 13,000, promises a tough challenge as well, as it has a perfect record so far, upsetting Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach in its first two Bundesliga matches.
But Kompany sees this as a great opportunity for Bayern to get back on track.
"We played against Schalke last week, and this week it's Elversberg, and both teams have been successful with different methods," the Bayern head coach said.
"Elversberg are more about possession and solutions with the ball, and Schalke more about counter-pressing and transitions. You can see that quite clearly from the data.
"We take every game seriously. I'm glad we get to play against Elversberg. Every season brings new challenges. It's the first time for Bayern.
"I'm always pleased to get new information about opponents, coaches and clubs. That's something I love about football. We always want to show what Bayern are about, wherever we go.
"It's a new location for us, but we still want to be the same Bayern."
Bayern is high on confidence, having thumped 10-man Bodo/Glimt 5-0 to kickstart its UEFA Champions League campaign in midweek.
It was without Serge Gnabry, with the winger failing a late fitness test, but Kompany is hopeful he could play a part against Elversberg.
"Serge Gnabry is training, but we'll make a call [on Saturday]," Kompany added.
"I reckon he'll be involved against Elversberg or against Union, but we still need to have conversations with Serge.
"He needs to give us the signal that he doesn't feel that something will happen when he shoots or turns. That aside, everyone's fit and available."
