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Bayern Munich boss remains wary of Real Madrid – ‘Current situation doesn’t reflect their true potential’
Bayern Munich boss remains wary of Real Madrid Current situation doesnt reflect their true potentialReal Madrid and Bayern Munich face off tomorrow in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match at the Allianz Arena.With Real Madrid losing 1-2 to the Bavarians in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, Alvaro Arbeloa & co. have a mountain to climb on Wednesday night.Despite there being confidence of mounting a comeback within the locker room, their recent performances and results raise concerns.After all, Real Madrid have failed to win any of their last three matches in all competitions, losing two and drawing one. Vincent Kompany waryHowever, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany remains wary of Real Madrid, irrespective of their current form, as he firmly believes that their recent form does not reflect their true quality.I always emphasize that we have a lot of respect for them. I said it at the Bernabu and I stand by it, said Kompany in his pre-match press conference.Were ready for the best version of Real Madrid, and their current situation certainly doesnt reflect their true potential. Theyre one of the best teams in the world, thats a fact, he added.However, the Belgian manager downplayed Real Madrids history of comebacks in the Champions League, stating:But the history of Barcelona, Liverpool, Atltico, PSG, Arsenal if you look at it, everyone has stories to tell about their past performances. We lost to them recently. But Im focused on what we can do to beat them tomorrow. I dont dwell on anything else, on the past. I believe we can win, and then you can write whatever you want.On whether he expects tomorrows match to be similar to the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kompany explained: I think the first leg was a good result, and thats all there is to it. Im not thinking about whether we let them off the hook or whether Neuer was the best player. Its a result that allows us to play tomorrow, at home, with the intention of winning. And thats all were focused on. We have a slight advantage, but nothing more. Its going to be a difficult match; nothing is decided yet. I feel we can improve for tomorrow.Bayern Munich have an advantage over Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Further discussing the performance in the first leg, he added: But we could have scored more goals in the first leg too, not just Real Madrid. Its true they improved in the second half; those 45 minutes might give them confidence. But in the first half, we had a very good feeling, and I think we can still give even more. Winning at the Bernabeu gives you that confidence, but now you have to prove it at the Allianz Arena. That you can play even better. And with their quality, their speed they can be very dangerous. But I think we have to focus on ourselves. On how we can find solutions.Meanwhile, Kompany also confirmed that rising superstar Jamal Musiala is fit to start and Serge Gnabry, too, will be available for the game.Everything is working very well. Its difficult to explain all the details. For example, what we see every day, what we talk about with him every day but the direction is right. I wont say anything about tomorrow, he said on Musiala.Regarding Gnabry, Kompany added: Yes, he is. Weve managed to get him fit to play. He had a break against St. Pauli. And its a difficult decision, of course. But everyone will be available for tomorrow.The Belgian was also full of praise for Michael Olise, who was Bayerns top performer at the Bernabeu last week, saying: Were all seeing it hes playing at an incredibly high level. Im sure hell be one of the best someday; but for now, hes on the right track. At an incredible level. Among the very best. But I know what might happen if I say hes one of the best now So lets talk about his performance, the performance hes had over the last 18 months. Lets hope he keeps it up.Talking about how the atmosphere will be at the Allianz Arena tomorrow, the Bayern Munich manager remarked: Ive played here as an opponent and I know what this stadium can do. And my wish is that we have all the fans behind us tomorrow. Because they give us the support we need.On what will be the most important decisive factor in the game tomorrow, Kompany explained: This is a difficult question, because there are so many things We can talk about individual qualities, the team as a whole, intensity, commitment, resilience, even a referee can make a decision, which I dont expect. Every detail can be important. But for us, the most important thing is that we are physically and mentally prepared. Weve trained well and were excited for tomorrow, of course.Source: AS
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