Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has conceded his discomfort with watching from the stands after his side's 5-4 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian, serving a touchline ban, witnessed the chaotic encounter from the Parc des Princes tribunes but told broadcasters after the match that he hopes never to repeat the experience. "I enjoyed watching the match, of course, but for me, [the stands] never again," Kompany said. "It's not a position I like."
Despite the high-scoring loss, which leaves Bayern trailing ahead of next week's second leg in Munich, Kompany sought to highlight the positive mentality of his players. Speaking to Canal+, he praised the team's work ethic and acknowledged the spectacle created. "I respect the fact that it's a match for those who love football today," he said, though adding, "I prefer that we don't concede any goals." The former Manchester City captain emphasized his team's philosophy, stating, "We can't do it halfway. Either we go all in, or we lock it down at the back, and that's not the objective for us, nor for PSG. It made for a great match."
With the tie poised at 5-4, Kompany expressed belief in a special comeback at a packed Allianz Arena. He admitted that at 5-2 down, progression was in serious doubt, but pointed to his squad's resilient character this season. "If I'm completely honest, I think there's always something special that can happen at our place, at the Allianz Arena," Kompany said. "There will be 75,000 people, it will be a fiery atmosphere. We know we had to push the game. We've experienced it often this season, we have that in our team, we never give up. We don't let go, they will come to our place and we will go full out and give everything until we drop if we have to. We're waiting for them, we want this match."
The result continues a challenging first season at the helm for Kompany, who joined Bayern from Burnley last summer. His task is now to overturn a one-goal deficit against a PSG side that boasts the competition's top scorer in Kylian Mbappé. The French champions, under Luis Enrique, recorded their 100th European victory and will look to protect their slender advantage to reach the final at Wembley. For Bayern, a club accustomed to deep Champions League runs, the second leg represents a chance to salvage a difficult campaign and keep alive their hopes of a seventh European crown.
