Kompany says Supercup crucial for Bayern's season
Vincent Kompany believes victory in the DFL-Supercup final would be the perfect foundation for Bayern Munich to build on ahead of its upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
Bayern faces DFB-Pokal victor Stuttgart in Sunday's (AEST) clash, fresh from unbeaten pre-season preparations, which included a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur.
During his first campaign in the Bayern dugout, Kompany helped the team regain its Bundesliga crown, having relinquished the title to Bayer Leverkusen in the final season before his arrival.
The 2023-2024 campaign was its first trophyless season in 12 years, but it responded in style by finishing 12 points clear of Leverkusen, although it fell short in other competitions.
Bayern was knocked out in the Round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal, while also being dumped out at the quarter-final stage of the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking ahead of the Supercup clash at MHPArena, Kompany stressed the importance of getting his season off to a strong start by lifting silverware.
"I know from experience you like to say the Supercup is very important after you win it. If you don't win, you tend to say it isn't so important," Kompany said.
"I've won it a few times in my career, and for us as a club, every title is important, so this one is also important."
While Kompany refused to reveal his plans for the starting line-up against Stuttgart, he was on hand to assess Bayern's chance of going back-to-back in the Bundesliga.
"I don't like to assess other clubs," Kompany added. "We were very dominant in the league.
"We want to take the next step as a club, even if we finished on 80 points. But we want to do something extra. That's always our goal."
Bayern has made three additions in this transfer window, with Kompany welcoming Luis Diaz, Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof into his ranks.
But there have been some significant outgoings, with the likes of Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane departing Bavaria for pastures new.
Kompany confirmed that Kingsley Coman, who joined the club initially on loan in 2015 before making a permanent move in 2017, was also set to leave, and that move was confirmed later in the day.
Coman, who has made 339 appearances in all competitions for Bayern, completed a switch to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
"When such a successful player leaves the club, it's always emotional," Kompany said. "We also have to understand his decision and what he wants.
"We have a lot of respect for what he's done. From my point of view, the priority is the players who are here in the squad."
